YouTube Premium has raised its subscription prices for Malaysian users, marking the first increase for individual subscribers since its 2019 launch, but the second in just over a year for those on the Family package.
According to its updated subscription page, the Individual monthly plan now costs RM20.90, up from RM17.90. The Student plan has also seen an increase, rising by RM2.00 to RM12.90 per month.
The Family package has been hit the hardest, now priced at RM41.90. Originally introduced at RM26.90, it was raised to RM33.90 in May last year.
According to Malay Mail, in an email to subscribers, YouTube explained, “We don’t make these decisions lightly, but this update will allow us to continue to improve Premium and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube.”
YouTube Premium provides ad-free viewing, a bundled YouTube Music service, background playback, and offline downloads.
This price increase coincides with Google’s efforts to block apps and browser extensions that offer YouTube Premium features without a subscription.
In other news related to YouTube, the platform will begin displaying ads during video pauses. The Verge reports that YouTube claims these pause ads are intended to provide a “less interruptive” experience, but this is without a doubt another move to make users subscribe to Premium.