YouTube is testing a new two-person Premium subscription plan in select countries, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday. The tier is being piloted in India, France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, allowing two people who live together to access Premium features at a reduced cost.

The news was first reported by Money Control, and a YouTube spokesperson has since confirmed the experiment. The new plan is designed to provide greater flexibility and value to YouTube Premium subscribers, offering a more affordable option for those who want to enjoy ad-free viewing, background play, and other Premium benefits without committing to a full family plan.

The two-person Premium plan is similar to Spotify's Duo subscription tier, which also allows two people to share a subscription at a discounted price. This move is likely aimed at increasing YouTube's subscriber numbers and potentially earning more revenue. For instance, people who may have cancelled their Premium plans after price hikes in recent years may decide to sign up for the discounted two-person plan.

The launch of the test comes as Google-owned YouTube has been working to diversify its subscription offerings. In March, YouTube rolled out a new premium subscription tier called Premium Lite that lets users watch "most" videos ad-free for $7.99 per month. The plan is currently available in the United States, Australia, Germany, and Thailand. At the time, the company said YouTube Music and YouTube Premium subscriptions combined reach over 125 million users worldwide, including trials.

It's unknown when or if YouTube plans to roll out the two-person Premium plan more widely or in additional countries. As with any other test launch, the company will likely monitor user feedback and adoption rates before making a decision on a broader rollout. However, if successful, the two-person Premium plan could become an attractive option for couples or roommates who want to enjoy YouTube's premium features without breaking the bank.

The move is also part of YouTube's efforts to stay competitive in the streaming market. With the rise of rival platforms like TikTok and Twitch, YouTube needs to continue innovating and offering unique value propositions to its users. By providing more flexible and affordable subscription options, YouTube can attract and retain users, ultimately driving revenue growth and maintaining its position as a leading streaming platform.

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how YouTube's two-person Premium plan performs and whether it will be rolled out more widely. One thing is certain, however – YouTube is committed to experimenting with new ways to provide value to its users and stay ahead of the competition.