YouTube Premium price hike announced
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The gist
Google raised YouTube Premium prices internationally by 10-15%, with Singapore individual plans rising from S$13.98 to S$15.98. Subscribers face higher bills from September 23, 2026, following a US hike earlier.
Background
YouTube Premium has historically seen infrequent price increases, but Google has now announced hikes in multiple international markets following a US increase earlier in 2026. The company cites the need to 'continue delivering great service and features' and support creators. Affected subscribers were notified via email, with new prices taking effect from their next billing date on or after September 23, 2026.
How it unfolded
- 2026 (earlier this year)YouTube raised US Premium prices: individual from $13.99 to $15.99, family from $22.99 to $26.99, Lite from $7.99 to $8.99, and Music Premium from $10.99 to $11.99.
- Aug 20, 2026 -21, 2026Reports emerge of price hikes in Singapore and parts of Europe, with Singapore individual plan rising from S$13.98 to S$15.98 and family from S$27.98 to S$31.98.
- Aug 21, 2026YouTube sends official email notices to subscribers in affected regions, including Romania, with individual plan rising from RON 29.00 to RON 32.00.
- Sep 23, 2026New prices take effect for existing subscribers on their next billing date on or after this date.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- YouTube says the increase is necessary to 'continue delivering great service and features' and support creators and artists.
- Public
- Some subscribers expressed frustration on social media, with one tweet showing the price rise from €13.99 to €15.99 and an angry emoji.
- Analysts
- Analysts note the hikes follow a pattern of catch-up after years of stable prices, with European prices unchanged since 2024.
Still unverified
Some European price increases were initially reported by Reddit and ResetEra posts and were not officially confirmed until later. The full list of affected countries and exact rates has not been published by YouTube.