# YouTube TV Unveils Another Price Increase: Implications for Subscribers
In an unexpected development, YouTube TV has declared a notable price increase for its Basic Plan, merely days after refuting such intentions. The streaming platform, which has encountered backlash for its regular price hikes over the years, announced that the monthly rate for its Basic Plan will escalate by $10 to $82.99. This adjustment will be effective for new subscribers from December 12, 2024, while the majority of existing users will notice the new pricing reflected in their accounts on January 13, 2025.
Here’s everything you should be aware of regarding the recent price increase and its effects on YouTube TV subscribers.
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## **Key Details Regarding the Price Increase**
– **Revised Pricing:** The Basic Plan, which used to cost $72.99 monthly, will now be set at $82.99 per month.
– **Effective Dates:**
– New subscribers will encounter the updated pricing right away (December 12, 2024).
– Current users will see the price adjustment on January 13, 2025.
– For those utilizing YouTube TV via Integrated Billing partners, the new pricing will take effect starting February 13, 2025.
– **Suspended Memberships:** If your membership is currently on hold, the new pricing will be applicable once you reactivate your account.
– **Promotional Pricing:** Users on promotional trials or special rates will experience the revised price once their promotional period concludes.
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## **Why Is YouTube TV Increasing Prices Once More?**
YouTube TV cites “growing content costs” as the reason behind the price increase, a rationale that has been referenced in prior adjustments. The company clarified in a statement that the extra revenue will aid in preserving service quality and guaranteeing continued access to beloved content.
This rationale echoes the explanations provided during earlier price hikes, including the $8 rise in March 2023, which adjusted the monthly fee to $72.99 at that time. Since its inception, the platform’s subscription price has more than doubled from its original $35 monthly rate.
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## **What Does This Imply for Subscribers?**
For subscribers, this price change presents mixed sentiments. On one side, YouTube TV assures retention of all features within the Basic Plan, such as over 100 live TV channels, unlimited DVR storage, and the option to create six accounts per household. Conversely, the escalating costs may lead some users to rethink their subscriptions, particularly as competition in the streaming arena intensifies.
### **Principal Effects:**
1. **Heightened Monthly Costs:** At $82.99 per month, YouTube TV is positioned among the priciest live TV streaming services available.
2. **No Feature Loss:** The Basic Plan will maintain its suite of features and channel selection, ensuring that users keep access to their preferred content.
3. **Possible Subscriber Discontent:** Regular price increases could alienate long-time users, especially those who initially opted for the platform due to its competitive pricing compared to traditional cable.
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## **The Background: A Rejection Followed by Admission**
This latest price increase is particularly controversial due to the chain of events preceding the announcement. Just prior to the formal confirmation, YouTube TV dismissed speculation of a price hike after an advertisement from Verizon prematurely indicated the new $82.99 rate. The company attributed the ad to an error and reassured users about the absence of any planned price increases. However, this declaration was brief, as the official announcement arrived on December 12, 2024.
The sudden turnaround has left some subscribers feeling deceived, especially considering the platform’s history of frequent price fluctuations.
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## **How to Verify Your Membership Status**
If you’re subscribed to YouTube TV, you can check your membership specifics and forthcoming charges by going to **Settings > Membership** in your account. This will allow you to ascertain when the new pricing will take effect for your subscription.
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## **A Record of Price Increases**
The latest adjustment from YouTube TV is part of a larger pattern of escalating costs in the streaming sector. Here’s a brief outline of the platform’s pricing journey:
– **2017:** Introduced at $35 monthly.
– **2021:** Raised to $64.99 per month.
– **March 2023:** Increased to $72.99 per month.
– **December 2024:** Set to escalate to $82.99 per month.
These ongoing price hikes mirror the increasing expenses associated with obtaining and maintaining content licenses, but they also prompt inquiries about the platform’s long-term affordability.
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## **What Are the Options?**
For those contemplating the cancellation of their YouTube TV subscription, numerous alternatives are available to explore:
1. **Hulu + Live TV:** Provides a similar channel lineup along with additional access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
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