YouTube Testing New Shared Premium Plan for Two Users at ₹219 per Month in India
YouTube is reportedly experimenting with a new subscription tier designed for two users, priced at ₹219 per month. This pilot project is being rolled out in select countries, including India, and aims to offer Premium benefits at a more accessible price point for smaller households or friend groups.
What the New Plan Offers
This upcoming plan allows two people to enjoy the full suite of YouTube Premium features—ad-free streaming, background play, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium. Essentially, it delivers the same experience as the existing individual or family plans but caters specifically to pairs who don’t need access for multiple users.
Unlike the existing Individual Plan at ₹139/month or the Family Plan at ₹189/month (for up to five members in the same household), this two-user option sits in between, potentially offering more flexibility for people living together or close friends who want to share a subscription.
Still in Testing Mode
Currently, the plan is not widely available. It’s being tested with a limited group of users, and only those selected by YouTube as part of this trial can see the option. Reports suggest that some users in India have started noticing it within their subscription settings or through occasional in-app promotions.
As of now, YouTube has not officially announced the new plan on its website or blog. The company appears to be gathering feedback and analyzing user response before considering a broader rollout.
Why This Move Matters
India is a massive market for YouTube, with millions of active viewers daily. However, converting these users into paying subscribers has been a challenge, primarily due to price sensitivity. Offering a mid-tier subscription could encourage more people to upgrade from the free version without committing to a full family plan.
By introducing a more affordable plan designed for two users, YouTube could potentially tap into a wider base of users—especially younger audiences, working professionals, or roommates—who prefer cost-sharing but don’t fall under the “family” category.
Comparing YouTube Premium Plans in India
Here’s a simple breakdown of how this new plan could fit into the existing lineup:
| Plan Type | Price per Month | Users Allowed | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | ₹139 | 1 | Ad-free videos, background play, offline viewing, YouTube Music |
| Shared (New) | ₹219 (testing) | 2 | Same as above, for two people |
| Family | ₹189 | Up to 5 | Same features for household members |
| Student | ₹79 | 1 (with ID) | Full Premium access, student-only rate |
While the family plan appears cheaper at ₹189, it comes with conditions—such as all members needing to reside at the same address. The new shared plan might offer more flexibility by allowing both users to live at different locations, though that aspect hasn’t been officially clarified.
Following Industry Trends
Streaming platforms across the board are evolving their pricing strategies to adapt to changing consumer behavior. Spotify already has a Duo plan for two users, and Netflix is reshaping its policies to reduce password sharing while introducing paid-sharing options. YouTube’s trial of a shared Premium tier aligns with this trend, recognizing that not everyone fits into traditional family subscription models.
The goal seems clear: make subscriptions more adaptable and personalized without alienating solo users or families. A plan like this could especially appeal to couples, siblings, or best friends who don’t need a five-person package.
A Possible Shift in Strategy
This initiative also highlights YouTube’s broader interest in increasing paid subscriptions in markets like India, where the majority of users still rely on the free, ad-supported version. With rising content consumption and demand for uninterrupted streaming, YouTube is likely seeking new ways to make Premium more appealing without pricing out casual viewers.
Introducing a mid-tier plan could strike the right balance, helping bridge the gap between individual and family subscriptions.
What’s Next?
There’s no official word yet on when—or if—this plan will become a permanent offering. As the pilot continues, YouTube will likely analyze how users respond, how many subscribe, and whether the model supports its revenue goals. If the feedback is positive and uptake is strong, a wider launch across India and possibly other markets could be expected in the near future.
For now, if you’re among the few users who receive the test offer, it might be a smart opportunity to try out Premium features with a friend or partner at a more reasonable cost.
Conclusion
YouTube’s trial of a two-user Premium plan at ₹219 per month could reshape how people in India approach paid streaming. By offering greater flexibility and targeting smaller user groups, this new subscription model could prove to be the sweet spot for many.
As the digital streaming space becomes increasingly competitive, platforms need to innovate—not just in content but also in pricing. YouTube’s latest move is a sign it understands that.
