Lite version of YouTube Premium becomes "heavier": ads will appear while watching Shorts and some large videos

Just months after its launch in the US, YouTube is adding even more ads to its cheaper Premium Lite plan. This means that your Lite subscription may not be as profitable, making you consider upgrading to a full-fledged Premium plan.

Here's What We Know

In early 2025, YouTube introduced Premium Lite, a cheaper version of its traditional Premium service with fewer additional features than its more expensive counterpart. While YouTube Premium completely removes ads, provides users with access to YouTube Music, background playback, and more, Premium Lite only removed ads when watching non-music videos.

However, Premium Lite subscribers have started receiving emails informing them that this will change, and they will start receiving ads on even more content.

At the end of May, a user of the TWiT.community forum revealed an email he received about the upcoming adverts. "We're writing to let you know that starting 30 June 2025, ads may appear in Shorts, in addition to music content and while searching or watching. Most videos will continue to be ad-free."

This was confirmed by German website DeskModder, which shared an email it received from the platform containing the same information.

Premium Lite subscribers pay significantly less than the $14 per month for the basic plan, with Lite costing only $8 per month. For users who watch a lot of Shorts, this could be a big enough change to make them switch to the standard Premium offering.

Source: DeskModder