YouTube is set to increase prices for its Premium subscription service in South Africa, with some plans rising by as much as 36%. The changes, which will affect both existing and new subscribers, are being implemented to enhance service quality and support creators and artists on the platform.
Starting July 4, 2025, the price of a YouTube Premium Individual subscription will rise from R71.99 to R81.99, an increase of 14%. Meanwhile, the Family plan will see a significant jump from R109.99 to R149.99, marking a staggering 36.4% increase. YouTube Music subscriptions will also experience hikes, with the Individual plan going from R59.99 to R64.99 (an 8% increase) and the Family plan rising from R89.99 to R99.99 (an 11% increase).
In a communication sent to subscribers, YouTube stated, "We hope you are enjoying your YouTube Premium benefits, including ad-free and downloadable videos, background play and uninterrupted access to over 100 million songs with the YouTube Music app." The platform emphasized that these price adjustments are necessary for them to "continue delivering great service and features" and to support the creators and artists that users engage with on the platform.
This price adjustment marks the first time Google has altered the pricing of YouTube Music or YouTube Premium since their launch in South Africa in March 2019. The company noted that the rand has significantly weakened against the dollar since that time, with the average dollar-to-rand exchange rate rising from R14.39 in March 2019 to approximately R18.25 in March 2025. This depreciation, coupled with an inflation rate of about 31% in the same period, has prompted the need for a price revision.
Many existing subscribers will see these increased prices reflected in their billing starting in June 2025, while new subscribers will immediately face the higher rates. YouTube has been actively encouraging users to opt for its Premium subscription rather than relying on ad-blockers, as the platform has implemented various measures to combat ad-blocking technologies.
Despite the price hikes, many users see value in the Premium subscription, which not only provides an ad-free experience but also includes access to YouTube Music, a competitor to services like Spotify and Apple Music. The YouTube Music app allows users to listen to millions of songs without ads and offers additional features such as offline playback.
In recent years, YouTube has faced criticism for its aggressive advertising strategies, which have led many users to seek alternatives to avoid interruptions. The company’s efforts to integrate ads directly into videos from the server side have not deterred users from finding ways to block them. As a result, the appeal of a subscription service that eliminates ads entirely has grown, with many believing that YouTube Premium is a reasonable price to pay for a seamless viewing experience.
As the rollout of these price increases approaches, subscribers are encouraged to weigh the benefits of YouTube Premium against the new costs. The platform’s commitment to enhancing its services and supporting its content creators may resonate with users who prioritize ad-free content and exclusive features.
In summary, YouTube is increasing its subscription prices in South Africa, with significant hikes for both Premium and Music plans. The company aims to improve its services and continue supporting creators, but the decision has sparked discussions among subscribers about the value of the service in light of rising costs.
