Users who signed up for YouTube Premium when the service was in beta or early adopter mode are bracing for a price increase.
These were the first customers to join when the service was new and enjoyed preferential prices since 2014.
In 2014, users who subscribed to the YouTube Music Key service for $7.99/month were moved to YouTube Premium in 2018, keeping the same price.
This allows them to continue paying a lower rate even as the price of YouTube Premium increases over the years.
However, Google is now announcing that it will adjust prices for this group of users.
In Europe, some users have already received notice of the price change, which will take effect in three months. Google says the extension is a way to show its appreciation for customer loyalty.
Some users said they joined the plan in the first place because YouTube promised that the price would not change over time.
This is reminiscent of Bitlife – when the Bitizen upgrade service promised not to require users to pay extra for new content.
However, the language in the terms of service is non-binding, allowing the company to still charge some additional fees.
In fact, if there is no clear provision in the terms of use or signed contract, companies have every right to increase prices or users can cancel their subscription if they do not agree.
