YouTube has updated its Premium Lite plan with two features users have been asking for: background play and video downloads. With this change, Premium Lite subscribers can now watch most videos ad-free, save them for offline viewing, and keep videos playing in the background while using other apps.
Until now, background play and downloads were limited to the full YouTube Premium plan. That higher tier costs $13.99 per month in the United States, while Premium Lite remains at $7.99 per month. The update makes the lower-priced plan more competitive, especially for users who mainly watch non-music content.
YouTube confirmed that the new features are rolling out starting today, although it may take a few weeks before all subscribers see them.
“You asked, and we listened! Today, we’re announcing that Background Play and Downloads are coming to YouTube’s Premium Lite subscription service.”
The company added that the rollout will expand “in the coming weeks” across all regions where Premium Lite is available.
Premium Lite Now Includes
With this update, Premium Lite offers:
- Ad-free viewing on most non-music videos
- Background play
- Offline downloads
However, some limits remain. Shorts still include ads, and Premium Lite does not remove ads from music videos. It also does not include access to YouTube Music Premium.
By contrast, the full YouTube Premium plan removes ads from all videos, including music content, and includes features such as jump ahead, queuing, and continue watching.
YouTube said it expanded the Premium Lite pilot to more markets last year and heard feedback from users who wanted these extra features. With background play and downloads now included, Premium Lite becomes a stronger option for viewers who want fewer ads without paying for the full Premium package.
