YouTube May Charge for Playback Speed Feature: Premium Subscription Could Become Mandatory

YouTube might soon require users to purchase a Premium subscription to access one of its most useful features—playback speed control. According to a post on Reddit, YouTube is experimenting with restricting this feature to premium subscribers, potentially limiting free users from speeding up videos in the future.

What is the Playback Speed Feature?
With attention spans shrinking in the era of reels and shorts, many users watch long videos at higher speeds to save time. This function, called playback speed, allows viewers to fast-forward content. The Reddit post revealed that YouTube is testing a change that could make this feature exclusive to premium users. If implemented, free users might have to subscribe to YouTube Premium to adjust video speeds.

YouTube’s Testing Method
YouTube is currently conducting experiments by dividing users into two groups:

• Group A: Users continue to access playback speed for free.
• Group B: Playback speed is locked, and users are prompted to purchase a Premium subscription to use it.

Reddit users reported that while the feature remains free on some accounts, others require payment—exposing YouTube’s secret testing.

Growing Challenges for Free Users
In recent times, YouTube has increasingly pushed free users towards paid subscriptions by limiting access to certain features. Last year, YouTube introduced a low-cost subscription plan that offered some Premium features with restrictions. Currently, YouTube Premium costs ₹149 per month for a single user.

Do You Need YouTube Premium?
According to experts, first check whether you are part of YouTube’s test and which group you belong to. If you are in Group A, you can continue using playback speed for free. YouTube often adjusts tests based on feedback, and features may remain free if results are not as expected.

However, for users in Group B who rely on playback speed to watch videos faster, a YouTube Premium subscription may soon be necessary to continue using this feature.