YouTube’s new Spotify-style Premium subscription will save couples & roommates a ton

YouTube is testing a new Premium subscription plan aimed specifically at users who share a household like couples and roommates.

For many users, YouTube Premium is the ideal way to watch content on Google’s video platform as it completely removes ads – something that the site hasn’t shied away from.

Amid the rise of ads, Google has also increased the price of Premium over the years, including taking away the grandfathered $7.99 cost for the platform’s oldest subscribers.

Now, YouTube is testing a special new Spotify-style plan designed to give couples or roommates a new way to save money while still getting the Premium experience.

YouTube tests two-person Premium plan in new pilot program

As reported by Money Control, YouTube is giving users in select countries a chance to subscribe to a two-person plan.

The new tier, available in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, lets a primary Premium account holder share perks with another member of their household as long as they’re over 13-years-old.

This means that both accounts would effectively have Premium and share different watch histories and subscriptions while splitting the cost, similar to Spotify’s Premium Duo plan.

In India, a one-person Premium plan costs $1.70 USD per month, while this two-person plan is available for $2.50. A family plan, meanwhile, sets users back $3.50 and lets them add up to five family members.

This suggests that, should the plan come to the US, it would follow a similar pricing model of $19, still much cheaper than paying $28 for two different Premium subscriptions.

YouTube confirmed the new trial with a spokesperson telling Money Control, “We’re experimenting with new ways to provide greater flexibility and value to our YouTube Premium subscribers, including offering a two-person Premium plan option, allowing two people to share a subscription at a reduced cost.”

It’s not clear if or when this plan will make it to other countries, but for those looking to save a bit of money on Premium, in 2025, Google rolled out a cheaper, “Lite” version of Premium where ads are only shown on music videos, Shorts and when you search or browse for content.