YouTube TV has arguably seen its value proposition drop over time. The Google-owned platform launched at just $35/month in 2017, but over the past 3 years, its price has crept up to $50.
Now, YouTube TV has seen yet another price hike, and a substantial one at that. New subscribers will need to pay $65/month to access the platform, whereas existing subscribers will be charged that fee starting on July 30. This cost increase arrives alongside eight new channels from ViacomCBS, including CMT, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, and others.
“We don’t take these decisions lightly, and realize how hard this is for our members,” Christian Oestlien, vice president of product management for YouTube TV, wrote in a blog post. “That said, this new price reflects the rising cost of content and we also believe it reflects the complete value of YouTube TV, from our breadth of content to the features that are changing how we watch live TV.”
YouTube TV is creeping into traditional cable pricing territory. It’s now more expensive than Hulu with Live TV (50+), AT&T Now Plus (45+) and the base FuboTV plan (as many as 109 or so, depending on where you live), all of which cost $55/month.
YouTube justifies the increased price by pointing toward the “rising cost of content” and the “complete value” of the platform. YouTube claims that the new $65 fee will help it provide the “best possible service and content” to subscribers, though we’re sure some users will argue that the previous level of service and content was just fine at $50/month.
As for new features, YouTube TV is rolling out one that’ll let you skip to different segments in some news programs. It’s a bit similar to the key plays option for sports. The feature is available on TV setups now, and it’ll arrive on mobile in the next few weeks. The service also refreshed its Live Guide on desktop to include details on what’s currently airing and what’ll be available to watch within the next seven days.
