Music content still requires full YouTube Premium.
The roll out has begun and should expand over the coming weeks.
YouTube Music Lite costs Rs 89 a month in India.
YouTube has announced that it is adding background play and offline downloads to its Premium Lite subscription, starting today in markets where the plan is available. The update is as per user feedback and aims to make the lower-cost tier more practical for everyday viewing. With this change, Premium Lite subscribers will be able to watch most videos ad-free, offline, and in the background, narrowing the gap between Lite and the full YouTube Premium plan.
SurveyWhat to expect from new YouTube Lite features
According to YouTube’s official announcement:
- Background play support is being enabled for Premium Lite subscribers. This allows videos to continue playing when the app is minimised or when the screen is locked.
- Offline downloads are being added, letting users save videos for viewing without an internet connection.
- Most videos will be available ad-free under the Lite plan.
- Music content, including YouTube Music Premium, will still require the full YouTube Premium subscription.
The rollout begins today and will expand over the coming weeks in all markets where Premium Lite is currently offered.
What this means for users
For many users, especially those who listen to podcasts, interviews, or long-form discussions on YouTube, background playback is essential. Offline downloads also matter in regions with patchy connectivity or high mobile data costs. Say, you like watching content while commuting in underground metro.
By adding these features, YouTube makes Premium Lite a more viable alternative for users who do not need ad-free music streaming. However, music videos and YouTube Music remain part of the full Premium tier, preserving a clear distinction between the two plans. If you are using any other music services like Spotify or Apple Music, you may not miss the absence of YouTube Music.
With the addition of background play and downloads, YouTube could lure more subscribers and improve retention and conversion in price-sensitive regions. So, some may find value, and there’s also upselling potential in this tiered subscription approach.
YouTube Music Lite costs Rs 89 a month, and full YouTube Premium costs Rs 149 a month and continues to offer ad-free viewing across all videos, including music, access to YouTube Music Premium, and background play and downloads.
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
