The YouTube Premium package has officially launched in Kenya, marking a significant victory for YouTubers. The package offers ad-free viewing, background playback, offline video downloads, and a one-month free trial.

Moreover, there are other packages available, including a family plan costing Kes950 per month for up to five family members aged 13 and above, and a student package at Kes290 per month. The student plan is exclusively for full-time students in higher education institutions.

Additionally, Premium subscribers will automatically gain access to YouTube Music, a freestanding app that allows for offline listening and an ad-free music experience. For those choosing YouTube Music alone, the monthly fee is Kes419 for individuals and Kes670 for a family bundle. This service provides personalized recommendations for hard-to-find music, catering to diverse musical tastes.

This launch follows numerous complaints about YouTube not being user-friendly due to annoying ads, leading to a surge in the use of ad blockers. The impact of Premium on creator earnings and the availability of features like Channel Membership, exclusive content, live TV, movies, and more remains unclear.

The introduction of this service in Kenya coincides with similar launches in Ghana and Senegal, highlighting YouTube’s commitment to innovation and cultural exploration. This initiative is expected to intensify competition with existing local market rivals, including Mdundo, Spotify, Boomplay, among many others.

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