Trial puts Meta, YouTube on the spot
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YouTube is launching YouTube TV Plans this week, after revealing the program back in December. These are genre-specific subscription packages that let users opt into a curated version of the service and save a few bucks in the process.
YouTube TV has announced new, cheaper genre-specific plans. Here's a breakdown of what you're getting, how to switch, and more.
YouTube Music is testing a system that will only allow five lyric views for non-paying users. Once exhausted, they need to get a Premium subscription.
The “Sports Plan” — part of a slate of niche subscription offerings within the YouTube TV ecosystem — will include the major broadcast networks, along with sports-focused cable networks like ESPN’s networks, FS1 and NBC Sports Network, a resuscitated cable network that simulcasts some of Peacock’s biggest games.
YouTube Music is locking full lyrics behind Premium, limiting free users to five views and betting fans will pay up to keep singing along.
The Sports package is $65 per month; an entertainment package is $55. You can bundle and save, but you'll have to do some math to see if it's a better deal than YouTube TV with everything.
Google continues to turn the screws on free YouTube users, expanding a test that restricts access to song lyrics on YouTube Music. Users without a premium subscription have found that Google’s streaming music service only shows song lyrics a few times before demanding money.
YouTube Music is blurring lyrics for free users after a handful of views. Google calls it an experiment, users call it a not-so-subtle Premium nudge.
The streaming service is creating a series of niche packages to lure more subscribers away from cable providers.