YouTube Premium Lite Arrives in India: Price, Features, Benefits, and Complete Guide
YouTube has transformed into more than just a video platform. In India, it’s our go-to destination for learning, entertainment, music, cooking tutorials, fitness routines, and even news. However, if there is one thing most Indian users dislike about YouTube, it is the never-ending ads that interrupt the experience.
For years, the only way to skip ads legally was to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which not only removed ads but also gave access to offline downloads, background playback, and YouTube Music. But not everyone wanted those extra features — many users just wanted ad-free videos at an affordable price.
To address this need, Google has now rolled out YouTube Premium Lite in India at a very affordable price point. Priced at just ₹89 per month, this plan offers a stripped-down version of Premium that focuses only on removing ads from most videos.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about YouTube Premium Lite in India — including its price, features, benefits, drawbacks, comparison with YouTube Premium, and whether it is worth your money.
What is YouTube Premium Lite?
YouTube Premium Lite is a budget-friendly subscription plan launched by Google for users who only want one thing: ad-free video viewing. Unlike the full YouTube Premium subscription, Lite does not include YouTube Music Premium, offline downloads, or background play.
The idea behind this plan is simple — many Indian users don’t want to pay extra for music streaming or background play but do want to get rid of intrusive ads while watching long-form videos on YouTube.
Price of YouTube Premium Lite in India
The biggest attraction of Premium Lite is its affordable pricing.
- YouTube Premium Lite Price in India: ₹89 per month
- YouTube Premium Individual Plan: ₹139 per month
- YouTube Premium Family Plan: ₹189 per month (up to 5 members)
- YouTube Premium Student Plan: ₹79 per month (with verification)
At just ₹89, Premium Lite is nearly 40% cheaper than the regular Premium plan, making it one of the most budget-friendly subscriptions currently available in India.
Features of YouTube Premium Lite
Ad-Free Viewing on Most Videos – The main highlight is that you can watch the majority of YouTube videos without ads.
- Works Across All Devices – Whether you use YouTube on your phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV, the Lite plan applies everywhere.
- Simple & Affordable – At just under ₹100 per month, it is designed for users who only care about ad-free content.
Limitations of YouTube Premium Lite
While YouTube Premium Lite sounds appealing, it comes with some important limitations you should know before subscribing:
- ❌ Ads are still present on YouTube Music content.
- ❌ You may see ads on YouTube Shorts, search results, and browsing feeds.
- ❌ No background playback (you can’t listen while switching apps).
- ❌ No offline downloads (videos can’t be saved for offline viewing).
- ❌ No YouTube Music Premium access.
In short, Premium Lite is a video-only ad-free experience — if you want the complete set of features, you’ll still need the regular YouTube Premium plan.
YouTube Premium Lite vs YouTube Premium: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | YouTube Premium Lite (₹89) | YouTube Premium (₹139) |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free long videos | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ad-free Shorts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| YouTube Music Premium | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Offline downloads | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Background play | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Devices supported | ✅ All devices | ✅ All devices |
From this table, it’s clear that Premium Lite is designed only for ad-free videos, while full Premium is for users who want music, downloads, and multitasking support.
Why Did YouTube Launch Premium Lite in India?
India has one of the largest YouTube audiences in the world, but not everyone is willing to pay for premium subscriptions. Many users feel that the ₹139 plan is expensive, especially when they only want ad-free video viewing.
By introducing Premium Lite at ₹89, YouTube aims to:
- Attract budget-conscious Indian viewers.
- Provide an affordable solution for ad-free content.
- Compete with OTT subscriptions like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar by offering a cheaper alternative.
Who Should Choose YouTube Premium Lite?
YouTube Premium Lite is not for everyone, but it’s perfect for certain types of users:
- Students who watch educational content and don’t want ads disturbing their focus.
- Casual viewers who binge-watch long-form videos but don’t care about music or downloads.
- Families using Smart TVs who only want ad-free video streaming.
- Budget-conscious users looking for a subscription under ₹100.
If you are someone who listens to music on YouTube or prefers offline viewing, then the regular Premium plan is a better choice.
Benefits of YouTube Premium Lite
- Distraction-Free Learning – Students can focus on lectures without annoying ad breaks.
- Better Streaming Experience – No interruptions during movies, tutorials, or entertainment.
- Affordable for All – At ₹89 per month, it’s cheaper than most OTT subscriptions.
- Works Across Devices – Whether on mobile or TV, you’ll enjoy ad-free content.
Drawbacks of YouTube Premium Lite
- No offline downloads → inconvenient if you have weak internet.
- No background play → music lovers may find it frustrating.
- Ads remain on Shorts & Music → not fully ad-free.
- Very limited compared to full Premium → only worth it for specific users.
Is YouTube Premium Lite Worth It?
If your main goal is to watch YouTube videos without ads, then Premium Lite is absolutely worth it. At ₹89 per month, it’s affordable, simple, and perfect for millions of Indian users who are tired of constant interruptions.
However, if you are looking for a complete package with music, downloads, and multitasking features, the extra ₹50 for full Premium is definitely a better deal.
FAQs About YouTube Premium Lite in India
1. What is the price of YouTube Premium Lite in India?
YouTube Premium Lite costs ₹89 per month in India.
2. Does YouTube Premium Lite remove ads from Shorts?
No, ads may still appear on Shorts and YouTube Music.
3. Can I download videos with YouTube Premium Lite?
No, offline downloads are not included in the Lite plan.
4. Is YouTube Premium Lite available on TV?
Yes, the subscription works on mobile, desktop, and smart TVs.
5. Should I choose Premium Lite or full Premium?
If you only want ad-free videos, go for Lite. If you want offline downloads, background play, and music streaming, choose full Premium.
The launch of YouTube Premium Lite in India is a big step by Google to make ad-free viewing accessible to a larger audience. At just ₹89 per month, it’s a fantastic option for those who simply want uninterrupted video streaming without paying for extras they don’t need.
However, for users who want music, downloads, and background play, the regular YouTube Premium plan remains the better value.
As India’s digital consumption continues to rise, Premium Lite is likely to attract millions of subscribers who are ready to pay a small price for a clean, ad-free YouTube experience.