YouTube’s cheaper subscription is getting background play and downloads
The Verge
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
YouTube has introduced two significant new features for its YouTube Premium Lite subscription plan, which costs $7.99 per month. These updates include background playback, allowing users to continue watching videos while using other apps on their phones, and offline downloads, enabling them to save videos for viewing without internet access. This addition marks an improvement over the previous version of Premium Lite, which launched in the U.S. about a year ago as an affordable alternative with fewer ads but lacked these features.
The roll-out of these features began on Tuesday and is expected to be available globally soon. The company revealed that they responded to user feedback requesting these functionalities, highlighting their commitment to addressing customer needs. These updates make Premium Lite more competitive by offering similar benefits to the standard YouTube Premium service at a lower price point.
For tech enthusiasts and consumers, this enhancement is particularly valuable as it allows for greater flexibility in video consumption. Background playback caters to users who want to multitask without interruptions, while offline downloads are ideal for those with limited internet access or data plans. By adding these features, YouTube strengthens its appeal to a broader audience and positions itself to better compete with other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which offer similar capabilities.
This development underscores the importance of adaptability in streaming services, as users increasingly prioritize convenience and flexibility in their media consumption experiences. The inclusion of these features not only enhances the value of Premium Lite but also
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/24/2026