YouTube TV users are in for a price hike. On Thursday, Google announced a 13% increase in its base plan subscription for YouTube TV. The new monthly cost will be $72.99, up from the previous $64.99 rate which had been unchanged for three years. The increase will apply immediately for new subscribers and will affect existing subscribers in about a month.
In a tweet, YouTube TV explained that the price increase was necessary as content costs have risen, and the company is investing in improving the quality of its service. Google added that the increase was not solely due to its new football offerings but rather a result of the general increase in content costs.
YouTube TV offers more than 85 live TV channels, including news and sports networks, to its subscribers. The service is available in the United States and competes with other streaming services like Hulu with Live TV and Sling TV.
Google has been investing in YouTube TV, recently striking a deal with WarnerMedia to bring HBO Max to the platform. YouTube TV also plans to add a new Entertainment Plus add-on package that will include HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz for an additional $29.99 per month.
Despite the price hike, YouTube TV remains a popular choice for cord-cutters who want access to live TV without a cable subscription. However, the increase may prompt some subscribers to reconsider their options and explore other streaming services.
