YouTube Tests New Premium Subscription Plan for Two Users: Lower Price, Full Features

YouTube is testing a brand-new subscription tier designed specifically for just two users, offering a middle ground between individual and family plans. This new YouTube Premium “Duo Plan” has started rolling out in select countries — including India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong — in what appears to be a strategic move by the video-streaming giant to diversify its subscription offerings and appeal to smaller households or couples.

YouTube Premium Duo: What’s the Offer?

The new subscription tier allows two people from the same household to enjoy ad-free YouTube, offline downloads, background play, and YouTube Music Premium at a price point that’s significantly lower than maintaining two separate individual subscriptions.

In India, for instance, the new Duo Plan is priced at ₹219/month, compared to the ₹299/month Family Plan that supports up to five users. This makes the Duo Plan a compelling option for couples, roommates, or siblings who don’t need the full extent of a family plan.

While a global rollout is yet to be confirmed, early signs point to a strong value proposition for cost-conscious users who still want access to the full suite of YouTube Premium services.

Key Benefits of YouTube Premium Duo

• Ad-free video experience across YouTube

• Background playback for uninterrupted listening or viewing

• Offline downloads for on-the-go viewing

• Access to YouTube Music Premium with no ads and unlimited skips

• Lower cost than two separate individual subscriptions

Comparison of YouTube Premium Plans in India (May 2025)

PlanUsersPrice (INR/month)Includes Music?Ideal For

Individual	1	₹139	Yes	Solo users
Duo (New)	2	₹219	Yes	Couples, roommates
Family	Up to 5	₹299	Yes	Households and families
Premium Lite	1	₹99 (approx.)	No	Ad-free videos only

Why It Matters: Google’s Strategic Shift

The introduction of a two-person plan is a significant development in Google’s broader subscription strategy, which has increasingly focused on value segmentation. With rising competition in the streaming and subscription ecosystem, YouTube is clearly positioning itself to retain paying customers and entice new ones who might have found individual or family pricing excessive for their needs.

Additionally, as viewership shifts to connected TVs and YouTube solidifies its presence as a streaming platform alternative to Netflix and Prime Video, offering flexible and affordable tiers becomes crucial. This Duo Plan bridges the pricing gap and meets the needs of today’s diversified consumer habits.

Not a Lite Offering Full Premium Features Included

Unlike YouTube Premium Lite, which was launched as a bare-bones tier for those only interested in ad-free video viewing (excluding music), the Duo Plan includes full access to all YouTube Premium features. That means users still enjoy YouTube Music, something not bundled with the Lite plan.

It remains unclear whether Google plans to introduce Duo or Family tiers for Premium Lite, which currently lacks multi-user support.

Global Expansion and Availability

As of now, the Duo Plan is only available in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. However, if user reception is positive and subscription rates increase, Google is expected to consider a broader rollout across additional regions, including North America and Europe.

The success of this plan could encourage similar offerings across Google’s ecosystem, potentially inspiring changes to Google One, YouTube TV, and Google Play Pass.

There is no confirmed timeline for the expansion of this plan. Historically, new tiers like Premium Lite took years to expand globally, so widespread availability may take time.

How to Sign Up for YouTube Premium Duo

To check eligibility and enroll in the Duo Plan, users in supported regions can:

Visit

Sign in with a Google account

Check availability of the “Duo Plan” based on regional settings

Invite a second member using their email address

Both users must reside in the same country and confirm the invite

Final Thoughts

With YouTube Premium Duo, Google is taking a smart step toward offering flexible, affordable subscription models that better align with modern consumption patterns. Whether you’re a couple sharing playlists or roommates binge-watching content together, the Duo Plan stands as a value-for-money option that doesn’t compromise on features.

As streaming subscriptions become more fragmented and expensive across platforms, expect more services like YouTube to introduce customizable plans to meet evolving consumer demand.