YouTube tests a new Premium Duo subscription

YouTube has begun testing a new subscription option called Premium Duo, offering all the same benefits as the standard Premium plan but at a lower price—limited to two users.

This pilot program is aimed at couples, roommates, and small households and is currently being tested in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

“We’re experimenting with new ways to bring more flexibility and value to our YouTube Premium subscribers, including a plan option for two people to share a subscription at a reduced price,” YouTube spokesperson Alex McQuiston told The Verge.

According to Moneycontrol and Android Authority, screenshots show pricing in Indian rupees:

• Individual subscription — ₹149.00/month ($1.77)

• Duo subscription — ₹219.00/month ($2.60)

• Family subscription — ₹299.00/month ($3.54)

YouTube had previously tested Premium Lite in the U.S. and other countries—a “lighter” version that removed ads from most videos but still showed them on music videos, and limited offline downloads and background play. Unlike Lite, the Duo plan offers the full range of Premium features, just for two users instead of one or six.

Notably, YouTube is pushing its ad-supported plan quite aggressively—by increasing the number and length of ads, slowing down app performance for users with ad blockers, limiting video views, and displaying large banners prompting users to upgrade to Premium.