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

Last week, YouTube TV sent an email to subscribers informing them of an upcoming price increase. Even though it’s only a $10 jump, this price pushes some people—myself included—to the brink of canceling service.

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

Old tricks

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

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I hit my account settings and then “Membership” and “Manage”. YouTube TV gave me the option to pause or cancel. I proceeded with the cancellation process hoping to receive the offer. Instead, I was given a list of reasons to choose from. I chose “Cost” thinking I would definitely get the offer at this point. Another screen welcomed me and asked if I was really safe. Finally, here’s my chance to save, I thought and clicked that I was really sure.

“Your subscription ends on January 13” said the next screen.

I have been a member since 2019 and YouTube TV had let me slip without this $10 savings I had read about.

Surprise twist

Thing is, I actually use YouTube TV, so I sighed, agreed to pony up the extra $10 a month, and signed up again (I didn’t lose any saves or settings).

I was curious why some people got this offer and I didn’t, so I decided to chat with customer service. After waiting less than 60 seconds to be connected to an agent, I explained that I was on the verge of canceling and that I had 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 responded with a promo code and walked me through the process of applying it.

At least for the next six months, YouTube TV’s price will remain with me.

Of course, this is not guaranteed, and as more people try this trick, YouTube may pull the plug. If you are looking for the chance to save some money, this might work for you too.