YouTube has rolled out a major update to improve the viewing experience during livestreams, particularly by reducing ad interruptions under certain conditions.
The platform had recently faced criticism over the increasing frequency of ads during videos and live sessions. Addressing these concerns, YouTube has introduced new changes that will automatically show fewer ads to viewers who support creators through Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifting features.
According to the update, users who make such purchases will be granted a temporary ad-free window immediately after their contribution. This feature will apply automatically to creators who have enabled automatic ads, which is the default setting on the platform.
The move is designed to ensure that key engagement moments, such as when creators acknowledge supporters, are not disrupted by ads. In addition, YouTube’s system will also activate ad-free windows during peak engagement periods, such as sudden spikes in comments, to maintain the flow of the livestream.
The company noted that excessive ad interruptions can negatively impact the “collective vibe” of live sessions. Previously, YouTube had adjusted ad timing to avoid breaking important moments, though this often resulted in ads appearing later instead.
Separately, YouTube also addressed a recent issue involving unskippable 90-second ads, clarifying that it was caused by a technical bug and has now been resolved.
While the update is reportedly live, the exact duration and frequency of these ad-free windows during livestreams have not yet been disclosed.
YouTube increases premium subscription fees
Popular online video sharing platform YouTube has increased the monthly and annual fees of its premium subscription service. This increase in YouTube Premium subscription fees has been applied to various plans.
According to reports, the price of the individual plan of YouTube Premium has been increased, while the family and student plans have also become more expensive.
The company has said that this change has been made to provide better services and continue to support creators.
How much is YouTube Premium subscription fees
An individual YouTube Premium will now cost $15.99 a month. This was $13.99 previously.
While a family plan is now $26.99 per month, it was $22.99 before. The Premium Lite plan for YouTube has been increased by $1, and will cost $8.99 a month now.
YouTube Music customers will see a $1 price increase for individual accounts. It will now cost $11.99 a month.
The family plan has been increased by $2, and it will now cost to $18.99 a month.
According to the new prices, the price of the individual subscription has been increased, while users will now have to pay more on both a monthly and an annual basis.
The aim of this move is to maintain the quality of the platform and provide better facilities to users.
YouTube Premium provides users with features such as ad-free video viewing, background play and offline downloads, while also gaining access to YouTube Music.
