Last week, YouTube TV sent an email to subscribers informing them of an upcoming price increase. Even though it’s only a $10 jump, that price makes some people – myself included – cancel the service.
Shortly after news of the increase broke, I saw rumors online about a trick to avoid this. Threaten to cancel, the recommendation said, and you’ll get $10 off for 6 more months (meaning you keep the current price).
Old tricks
The practice of threatening to cancel in order to get a lower price is nothing new. It’s a dance I do every year with my internet provider, SiriusXM radio, and my car insurance. It usually works with these companies, but would it also work with YouTube TV?
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I tapped my account settings, then “Membership” and “Manage.” I could pause or cancel YouTube TV. I went through the cancellation process hoping to receive the offer. Instead, I was given a list of reasons to choose from. I selected “Cost” because I thought I would definitely get the offer at that point. Another screen greeted me and asked if it was me really safe. “Now is finally my chance to save,” I thought, confirming that I really was sure.
“Your subscription ends January 13th,” the next screen said.
I’ve been a member since 2019 and YouTube TV had allowed me to forgo the $10 savings I’d read about.
Surprise twist
The thing is, I actually use YouTube TV, so I sighed, agreed to pony up the extra $10 a month, and subscribed again (I didn’t lose any saved recordings or settings).
I was curious why some people received this offer and I didn’t, so I decided to chat with customer service. After waiting less than 60 seconds to contact an agent, I explained that I was close to canceling and that other people had mentioned 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 to me with a promo code and walked me through the process of applying.
For me, at least for the next six months, the price of YouTube TV will remain unchanged.
Of course, this isn’t guaranteed, and if more and more people try this trick, YouTube could pull the plug. If you’re looking for a way to save some money, it might work for you too.
