Google has announced it will increase the price of YouTube TV by $15 a month, infuriating customers of the live wireless TV streaming service.
Starting today, monthly fees for new customers or the next billing cycle for existing subscribers will increase to a whopping $64.99 per month. That comes after Google increased the subscription to $49.99 from $39.99 last April.
Google says it’s not taking the decision lightly, citing the rising cost of content. However, subscribers are already reporting their displeasure on social media, and many are threatening to be fired.
“We don’t make these decisions lightly and know how difficult it is for our members,” Google said in the announcement. “However, this new price reflects the rising cost of content and we also believe it reflects the overall value of YouTube TV, from our breadth of content to the features that are transforming the way we watch live TV see.”
Related: Best Disney Plus TV Shows and Movies
Google has appropriately timed the announcement to coincide with the launch of eight new channels debuting on the service today. These are BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1. They will be followed in the near future by BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., NickToons and TeenNick as part of a broader deal with ViacomCBS.
The company also said it’s looking at more flexible models, suggesting tiered subscriptions could be coming in the near future.
“As the streaming industry evolves, we’re working to create new flexible models for YouTube TV viewers so we can continue to provide everyone in your household with a robust and innovative experience, without the commitments of traditional television,” das adds company.
YouTube TV started out as an affordable alternative to a cable and satellite TV subscription, with more flexible online viewing options, device freedom, and the ability to cancel at any time. For now, it looks like we’re heading towards price parity with the traditional cable TV platforms. What Subscribers Say:
That’s damn, when I started it was about $35. I won’t pay $65 for some channels I don’t even want, BET CMT MTV. All the junk I have to look for somewhere else $65 is double what I would want to pay for nothing
— Scott Abramczyk (@lethalgorman) June 30, 2020
That’s ridiculous. I’ve had a subscription for a year now, but I’m not going to pay $65 a month for a bunch of channels I don’t want.
— David St Hilaire (@DavidStHilaire1) June 30, 2020
I’m out. They raise the price but don’t offer packages. I spread the gospel @YouTubeTV but you keep raising prices for channels we don’t want. I can take it all with me @Hulu live at a better price. later #youtubetv
— ????????? (@qualick) June 30, 2020
It’s cheaper now to go back to cable – I didn’t think any company could screw up Internet TV so badly @ATT but @YouTubeTV made it. Congratulations.
— Mike (@Green_94) June 30, 2020
@YouTubeTV I was an early adopter and was bought in at $35 and now it’s $65, come on. That’s not why I wanted YouTube TV so I could pay $70 a month. Where is the unsubscribe button
— Scott Abramczyk (@lethalgorman) June 30, 2020