The whole point of cutting cable and moving to the internet for streaming alternatives is being able to pay less by subscribing to only what you need. If you prefer to spend your time watching Marvel, Star Wars, and cartoons, then Disney+ might be your thing. If you prefer TV series, then Hulu. If you prefer movies over TV while still getting a little TV, then Netflix, etc. But YouTube TV is kind of a mishmash or random, with some exclusives. It’s hard to put a pin on it, but the company thinks it is worth more than all the others.
YouTube seems to be have lost its way and now it wants you to pay the same rate that cable companies try charging (in many areas) for its YouTube TV service. Where other streaming solutions range between $10-$20 on average, YouTube TV has just raised its (already expensive) price to $72.99/month.
An update for our members. As content costs have risen and we continue to invest in our quality of service, we’ll be adjusting our monthly cost, after 3 years, from $64.99/mo to $72.99/mo, in order to bring you the best possible TV service.
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) March 16, 2023
Keep in mind, this is just the basic level package. If you want 4K, you have to pay even more. The company will tack on an additional $9.99/month if you want to “upgrade to 4K”, making it $82.98/month. So much for affordable streaming. It only takes one company to ruin it for everyone else. As once the other companies see that someone somewhere is willing to pay for it, they will all eventually start raising costs by a bunch to try to rake in that sweet sweet cash.
Although YouTube TV is a bit more similar to your typical cable package due to local channels and more being included, it does grey the lines between cable and streaming, making it hard to tell the difference. So here’s hoping the others don’t try to follow with the same theme.
If you feel it is outrageous, the best thing you can do is leave and join one of the more affordable streaming options for content. You can still get all of your local channels OTA (over the air) for free. If users continue to jump ship each time the company raises cost, the point may be delivered.
While others may see it as an advantage if they spend most their time watching TV and would like to take it with them everywhere they go. It just feels kind of weird since the whole point of streaming is dialing it all into what you like (at least, as much as possible), getting away from commercials (which cable was never supposed to have), and making things more affordable. Since streaming services pay the networks/movies/shows based on who’s actually watching.
What do you think about the new prices and where things are headed? Don’t miss out on sharing your own voice below in the comments. We’d love to hear what you think about it all.
