YouTube TV, a popular live TV streaming service has had a series of price increases . Recent price hikes and features are noted below.
- YouTube TV has recently announced a price increase from $72.99 to $82.99 per month set to be active by Jan 13 2025.
- It originally launched for $35 per month in 2017 showing a dramatic price increase as the service evolved.
- The subscription service has focused on developing streaming services that can reduce latency of broadcast delays and create viewing options with new tech.
- YouTube TV boasts over 8 million paid subscribers.
- While popular, price increases along with features makes them compared to other alternatives and their market value.
- Competitors of Youtube TV are Fubo and Hulu live which have different features and pricing.
Latest YouTube TV Price Increase
YouTube TV announced a significant price increase, adding $10 to the monthly subscription fee, which now goes to $82.99 a month from 72.99. This was done due to growing costs related to content. The change went into effect on January 13, 2025 which had new subscribers to pay the increase while current members received an adjustment at the next billing period.
Subscriber Reactions
Users online have been expressing their shock over the latest change. Some users even compared current pricing to the initial launch at 35 dollars per month, while others noted a frustration and expressed the desire to seek alternate options. Some have claimed they can now watch content for less money through several services by breaking away from the package style and only selecting needed options for monthly purchases.
The History of YouTube TV Pricing
YouTube TV has had several increases from when it first came onto the market, and it continues to fluctuate to this date. Starting at a low monthly cost in 2017, it rose in price to 72.99 and now again to 82.99 which marks a notable shift.
Focusing on Sports Viewership
YouTube TV has added new ways to focus on specific viewers such as its ability to provide sports watchers an ability to see content on an alternate time which speeds up broadcast and prevents the issue of being given a spoiler for an event before viewing. Many found that during live games the broadcast was decreased by 10 seconds over the prior viewing options. These features highlight an intentional path towards creating value to their users with new technology.
Reduced Broadcast Delay
This unique offering uses customized tech to decrease delays allowing users to get content faster than other platforms which gives users an option on live games to avoid getting a spoiler for events before watching the actual sporting event.
YouTube TV's Streaming Competition
Several platforms create direct competition within the market. Some options include Fubo , Sling, and Hulu+ live which each have strengths for different kinds of viewers. Each service provides live TV with some variations in channel options as well as extra options that are offered at additional cost.
Fubo TV's Adjustments
Fubo has also been experiencing an increase in fees for their monthly subscribers with increases up to $5 which now makes it more costly than Youtube TV and Hulu+ live for standard packages. It does however offer many channels, that are sports focused, creating a difficult path for decision for those that value sport content over basic channels. As for a positive point it also has a higher quality image as many others show content in 720 while Fubo is in 1080p which creates the illusion of it being a higher value product for quality with sport content.
Hulu+ Live TV vs YouTube TV
Hulu+ Live TV remains a close competitor who gives its basic plan as an equal or less in price that also offers multiple forms of streaming which includes Hulu Disney+ and Espn+. This offering shows the many angles in which platforms are attempting to gain higher subscribers. Hulu does fall short in live channel offerings. With YouTube TV showing its clear superiority on user functionality.
Sling TV: An Affordable Alternative
While Sling provides a budget friendly plan they have made that available through having much fewer channel selections such as not carrying CBS, ABC and Fox. In some situations, this can work well if pairing with a purchased antenna option as the overall monthly charge is still lower. This makes a case for value over wide selections when people may only require local content.
YouTube TV's Continued Evolution
YouTube continues to be a large streaming source for live TV viewership. In addition to this a large scale of subscribers proves this. Even with price changes the push for quality, reliable features is still of great importance to their company's brand.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV has had another price increase now setting its new base rate at $82.99 per month starting Jan 13th 2025.
- The increases to their subscription cost has caused many viewers to voice their opinions or research the market for alternatives.
- With competition from other companies, YouTube TV seeks new avenues to showcase unique qualities such as reduced time in live broadcast options.
- Streaming has become more complex and the options grow viewers also grow more demanding in what they desire from subscription options which causes many to reconsider what they chose in the past.
- While they have experienced more growth within their customer base, new and developing technologies continue to change the scope for their services and make an impact on future sales.