A look at YouTube TV’s expansion and price hike

Since the global media sharing platform launched its internet streaming service early in 2017, YouTube has consistently attempted to expand into new markets and increase its portfolio of networks. The latest announcement from YouTube TV stated that the provider will be adopting a number of new networks for its subscribers to enjoy. This comes as promising news for subscribers to the fledgeling streaming service, however, it will come at a price.

Among the new additions to the channel roster TNT, CNN, TBS and Adult Swim will all be joining the YouTube TV family. This will give subscribers access to a number of popular TV shows including various live sports games and the popular animated comedy, Rick and Morty. This comes as part of a push by YouTube TV to expand its reach and increase subscription figures. There are also talks of the streaming service being expanded into new markets and countries but nothing has been confirmed yet.

While the increase in channels and shows is great news, subscribers may not be so happy to hear that YouTube TV will be instigating a price hike in the very near future. In fact, the subscription cost will rise from $35 to $40 as of March 13. This will mean more money in the bank of YouTube TV to encourage further expansion, however, many consumers have questioned whether the price increase is really necessary.

As a global brand with billions of users around the world, YouTube isn’t exactly struggling for revenue. This is why many subscribers have said that adding the extra networks without increasing costs would have been a show of good faith and reward to existing subscribers. It’s too soon to tell how the price hike will affect conversion figures and whether the balance of new content will be enough to keep existing customers.

The online media streaming industry has grown rapidly over the last decade with huge brands like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu and PlayStation all developing their own service. The average subscription price amongst live TV streaming providers is relatively consistent across the board which is why YouTube TV hasn’t seen its recent price hike as being too risky. However, there are a number of brands like Sling TV and DirecTV which are offering much cheaper subscription packages. Only time will tell whether YouTube TV’s powerful brand will maintain a consistent conversion rate.