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Streaming just got more expensive for users in Nigeria and South Africa as YouTube, the Google-owned streaming platform, increased premium prices to enhance its services and support the creators and artists.
This development follows a growing trend across streaming platforms. In March 2025, MultiChoice raised prices for its DStv satellite and ShowMax streaming services in South Africa, with some ShowMax plans seeing significant hikes.
Effective mid-year, South African subscribers will now pay R81.99 for the individual premium plan and R149.99 for the family plan. The YouTube Music plan will also increase from R59.99 to R64.99 per month, reflecting an 8.3% hike, while the YouTube Music family plan will rise from R89.99 to R99.99 per month, an 11.1% increase.
Meanwhile, Nigerian users will pay N1,700 for the individual premium plan and N2,800 for the family plan. YouTube Music fees have also jumped, with the individual plan rising from N900 to N1,300, a 44.4% increase, and the family plan jumping from N1,400 to N2,000, a 42.9% increase, effective from the next billing date.
According to YouTube, “We don’t make these decisions lightly, but this update will allow us to continue to improve Premium and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube.”
In the past year, YouTube has made significant upgrades for its premium users. In April 2024, the platform launched new shopping features designed to empower creators. These tools enable creators to enhance their content with curated shoppable collections, streamline video planning, and more effectively monetize older videos.
In June 2024, YouTube further improved the premium experience by introducing features such as smart downloads, picture-in-picture mode for Shorts, and an expanded rollout of its "Jump Ahead" feature, allowing users to navigate videos more easily.
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