Subscribers Alphabet‘s (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) YouTube TV will have to dig a little deeper in their pockets if they want to keep watching the video streaming service. As of Tuesday, YouTube TV’s “base plan” now costs $ 64.99 per month, above the previous level of $ 49.99 and almost double the $ 35 that the service was priced at launch.
Clearly anticipating negative consumer reaction to such a sharp rise at an economically challenging time, YouTube wrote on its official blog that “this new price reflects the rising cost of content and we also believe it reflects the full value of YouTube TV, of our breadth content to features that are changing the way we watch live television. “
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The main reason for the increase is the addition of content from ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC). Eight of the company’s channels will be available through the service, a line that includes Comedy Central, BET, MTV and Nickelodeon. Many popular programs are broadcast on these channels, such as The daily show with Trevor Noah and Sponge Bob Square Pants.
More ViacomCBS channels will be available through YouTube TV at a later date that has not been specified. Among others, these include NickToons and MTV Classic.
With the new ViacomCBS channels, YouTube TV now has more than 85 total included in its base plan. Additionally, premium HBO Max and Cinemax channels can be added, although these incur additional charges.
YouTube TV, an extension of the long-standing video clip website YouTube, was launched with much fanfare in February 2017. Alphabet, one of the largest technology companies on the market, does not disclose the financial results of the service.
On Tuesday, the share price rise of both Alphabet share classes was slightly less than the overall market.
