Since it launched in April 2017, YouTube TV has increased in subscriber count. The subscription service reportedly now has over 300,000 users and is now available in almost 100 markets.
As such, it's only logical for YouTube to introduce a price hike amid the positive fanfare. Instead of the previous $35 monthly fee, new subscribers now have to shell out an extra $5 for a grand total of $40 per month.
YouTube TV Price Hike
The price increase was announced in February, alongside confirmation that YouTube was going to add more channels and making the service available to even more markets. Initially, YouTube launched with a coterie of programs from networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and many others. But other networks such as CNN, Cartoon Network, TNT, and more, were also added later on.
Current YouTube TV subscribers will not have to pay $40 moving forward, though. They, along with those who subscribe before March 13, will be grandfathered into the old $35 pricing model.
YouTube TV, for those who don't know, is YouTube's livestreaming TV service in the United States, separate from its main YouTube broadcast service offering. As mentioned, it offers a variety of programs from some of the biggest networks on TV, including cable and sports networks. In addition the basic package, subscribers can avail add-ons that include channels such as Fox Soccer Plus or Showtime.
Missing from YouTube TV's roster is Comedy Central and MTV, perhaps because Viacom is reportedly planning to create its own streaming service this coming September. Even still, it might license its channels to YouTube TV, too.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is available on a variety of platforms. It's been on the iPad and iPhone since launch, then Apple TV a little bit later on. Other platforms where it's available include Roku, Xbox One, Android, and several Smart TVs. YouTube TV is an excellent alternative for the cord cutting culture, or individuals who want to ditch conventional cable subscription models and join the streaming service bandwagon. Cord cutting has become immensely popular over the years, especially with the general hatred toward sketchy cable companies.
YouTube TV also stands to rival big services such as Netflix and Hulu, although these streaming options have an advantage because they offer excellent and award-winning original programs.
Whether YouTube plans to roll out the service in other countries remains uncertain, but the notion seems unlikely since every country has a different set of networks, and one can imagine arranging deals with different countries will prove difficult.
