YouTube has announced that Premium Lite subscribers will now get access to background play and video downloads. The update began rolling out starting February 24, 2026 in regions where Premium Lite is available.
Why It Matters: Background play allows videos to continue running while users switch apps or turn off their screens. Downloads make it possible to watch videos offline. These features were previously limited to the full YouTube Premium plan, making this a notable upgrade for Premium Lite users.
With the update, Premium Lite subscribers can play videos in the background while using other apps, and download videos for offline viewing.
Premium Lite previously focused on reducing ads across most videos. The addition of background play and downloads brings it closer to the full Premium experience.
YouTube noted that the full Premium plan continues to offer the complete experience, including support for music content and YouTube Music features.
With these new additions, will Premium Lite be enough for most users, or will the full Premium plan remain the better option?
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