Get ready to feel the pinch
Here we go again my fellow cord-cutters, as Google has announced that they’re be hiking up the price of monthly subscription of YouTube TV from $49.99 to $64.99. For new subscribers, this change will be immediate, while current subscribers will see this reflected in their next billing cycle. This change now makes YouTube TV one of the more expensive streaming services out there, and that doesn’t even take into account additional channels such as HBO.
According to Google, this price hike is due to the rising cost of bringing new content to the service and the value that it brings. With the new pricing comes several new channels that include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land, and VH1. More channels in the form of BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., NickToons, and TeenNick, are also slated to come to the service, at a yet announced date.
This is also the third time the service has adjusted its pricing ever since it launched back in 2018. Originally debuting at $34.99, the service jumped to $39.99 when the Turner channels were added. It jumped up again to $49.99 and this was in April 2019. Now a year later, we’re seeing yet another price hike. And I fear this won’t be the last.
In the accompanying blog post, Christian Oestlien, Vice President of Product Management of YouTube TV states that the company doesn’t take these changes lightly.
We don’t take these decisions lightly, and realize how hard this is for our members. That said, this new price reflects the rising cost of content and we also believe it reflects the complete value of YouTube TV, from our breadth of content to the features that are changing how we watch live TV. YouTube TV is the only streaming service that includes a DVR with unlimited storage space, plus 6 accounts per household each with its own unique recommendations, and 3 concurrent streams. It’s all included in the base cost of YouTube TV, with no contract and no hidden fees.
Unfortunately, without a competitor that does what YouTube does, the company has little reason not to continue to raise its pricing or screw over its users. The last service that was comparable to YouTube TV was Sony’s PlayStation Vue, which was shut down earlier in 2020. With them out of the picture, there isn’t a single service that comes close to YouTube TV and Google knows is.
For those looking for a cheaper alternative, you can always look at Hulu’s Live TV service. Just don’t expect to get the same offering that YouTube TV currently provides. While the services are similar, YouTube TV has the edge with more channel offerings, the ability to fast-forward through commercials, and three simultaneous streams instead of two. However, if you can see past that, Hulu Live TV is 6 dollars cheaper. At least for now.
Many of us left Cable TV due to the rising costs, now it would seem that the rising costs of streaming services such as YouTube TV are just a repeat. So much for a cheaper price for those looking to save a buck or two.
