YouTube is testing a new Premium plan for pairs in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. This affordable option costs about 219 rupees ($2.60) in India, offering significant savings compared to two individual subscriptions. You’ll get all standard Premium benefits: ad-free viewing, background playback, YouTube Music access, and video downloads. Positioned between individual and family plans, this strategy aims to convert more free users through flexible pricing. The success of this testing phase will determine its global expansion.
YouTube is rolling out a new, more affordable Premium plan for pairs across select regions. This initiative targets specific markets including India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as part of a strategic testing phase. The plan aims to provide a cost-effective option for two users who want to enjoy YouTube without interruptions.
In India, you’ll pay approximately 219 rupees (about $2.60) for this new subscription tier. This pricing represents significant savings compared to purchasing two individual subscriptions, making it an attractive option for couples, roommates, or close friends. The introduction of this plan is part of YouTube’s broader subscription strategy to enhance accessibility for different user groups.
The plan delivers core Premium benefits to both users. You’ll enjoy an ad-free viewing experience across all YouTube content and gain access to background playback functionality. This means you can continue listening to videos while using other apps or when your screen is locked.
You’ll also receive full access to YouTube Music as part of the package. This integration allows both users to stream music without advertisements and download content for offline listening. For those interested solely in music, YouTube offers a separate YouTube Music two-person plan for 149 Indian rupees ($1.77).
Video downloads for offline viewing come standard with this plan. You can save videos to watch later when you don’t have internet access, a particularly useful feature for travelers or those with limited data plans.
This pairs option sits strategically between YouTube’s individual plan and its family plan, which supports up to five users at a higher price point. In India, the family plan costs 299 rupees, making the pairs option considerably more economical for those who need just two accounts.
If introduced in the United States, industry analysts project the plan would cost approximately $16. However, YouTube hasn’t announced plans for a U.S. launch yet.
YouTube’s strategy appears focused on increasing subscriber numbers by diversifying its pricing tiers. By offering more flexible subscription options, the platform aims to convert more free users to paying customers.
The success of this testing phase will likely determine whether YouTube expands the pairs plan to additional markets worldwide. This approach allows the company to gauge consumer interest before committing to a global rollout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Switch Between Individual and Duo Premium Plans?
You can switch between YouTube’s individual and Duo Premium plans, but with several limitations.
You’ll likely need to cancel your existing individual membership first through the Paid memberships section in your profile settings.
The Duo plan is currently available only in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
When switching, you may need to verify your address and update payment methods.
The timing of changes might affect your billing cycle.
Will Both Users Have Separate Profiles and Recommendations?
Yes, you and your partner will have separate profiles with individual recommendations on the YouTube Premium duo plan.
This works similarly to family plans, where each user maintains their own viewing history and preference-based suggestions.
Your recommendations won’t be affected by what the other person watches.
Each account remains distinct, allowing you both to enjoy personalized content discovery while sharing the benefits of a single Premium subscription at a reduced price.
Does the Duo Plan Work Across Different Countries?
No, the YouTube Duo Plan doesn’t currently work across different countries.
You and your partner need to reside in the same country to use this subscription option. Each user maintains their separate profile with individual recommendations, but both accounts must be registered in the same region.
The plan is only available in select markets (India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong), with no announced timeline for when cross-country sharing might become available.
Can Family Plan Members Downgrade to the Duo Option?
Family plan members can’t directly downgrade to the Duo option.
You must completely cancel your existing family plan first, which creates a service interruption.
After cancellation, you’ll need to subscribe to the Duo plan as a new member.
This process requires re-entering payment details and potentially changing your billing cycle.
Only the family plan administrator can initiate this cancellation.
The Duo plan is currently limited to specific regions including India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Are There Additional Benefits Exclusive to the Duo Plan?
No, the YouTube Premium Duo plan doesn’t offer exclusive benefits beyond what individual subscribers receive.
You’ll get the same core features: ad-free viewing, background playback, offline downloads, YouTube Music Premium, and picture-in-picture mode.
The primary advantage is cost savings compared to purchasing two separate individual plans.
The duo plan simply provides a more economical option for two people living at the same address who want to share Premium benefits.
