Want to avoid the YouTube TV price hike? This trick worked for me (eventually)

Last week, YouTube TV sent an email to subscribers informing them about an upcoming price hike. While it’s only a $10 jump, this price is pushing some people — including myself — to the edge of canceling the service.

Shortly after the news of the increase broke, I saw online chatter about a trick to avoid it. Threaten to cancel, the advice said, and you’ll get $10 off (meaning you’ll keep the current price) for 6 more months.

Old tricks  

The practice of threatening to cancel to get a lower price is nothing new. It’s a dance I do annually with my internet provider, SiriusXM radio, and my car insurance. It usually works with those companies, but would it work with YouTube TV?

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I tapped into my account settings, then “Membership” and “Manage.” YouTube TV gave me option to pause or cancel. I proceeded with the cancellation process, hoping to receive the offer. Instead, I got a list of reasons to choose from. I selected “Cost” thinking I’d surely get the offer at this point. One more screen greeted me, asking if I was really sure. Finally, here’s my chance to save, I thought, clicking that I was really sure. 

“Your subscription will end on Jan. 13” the next screen said. 

I’ve been a member since 2019, and YouTube TV had let me slip away without this $10 savings I’d read about.

Surprise twist

The thing is, I actually do use YouTube TV, so I sighed, agreed to pony up the extra $10 a month, and resubscribed (I didn’t lose any saved recordings or settings). 

I was curious as to why some people were getting this offer and I wasn’t, so I decided to chat with customer service. After waiting less than 60 seconds to connect with an agent, I explained that I was on the edge of canceling, and that I’d seen other people mention a $10 savings. The agent asked for a moment to review my account.

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Just a few minutes later, the agent replied with a promo code and walked me through the process of applying it. 

At least for the next half year, YouTube TV’s price is staying put for me. 

Of course, this isn’t guaranteed, and as more people attempt this trick, YouTube might pull the plug. If you’re looking for the chance to save a little money, it might just work for you too.