Google is tightening restrictions on free YouTube Music features. The company now limits non-Premium users to viewing just five song lyrics before requiring a paid subscription.
The New Lyrics Limit
Multiple Reddit users in the r/YoutubeMusic community have reported seeing a new warning message in the YouTube Music app. The message displays "You have X views remaining, unlock lyrics with Premium" with a counter starting at five and decreasing each time users access the Lyrics tab.
This change represents the latest move in Google's strategy to convert free users into paying subscribers. The company previously eliminated background playback workarounds that allowed users to listen with their screens off without paying.
Gradual Rollout
Reports of this lyrics restriction first appeared back in September, but only a small group of users encountered it initially. That limited testing suggested Google was evaluating user response before a broader implementation.
The recent spike in Reddit posts indicates the testing phase has concluded. Google appears ready to enforce this policy across all free YouTube Music accounts, though official confirmation from the company hasn't arrived yet.
Premium Pricing
YouTube Music Premium costs $11 per month in the United States. Users can also access the feature through the broader YouTube Premium subscription at $14 monthly, which removes ads and enables background playback on regular YouTube videos as well.
Pricing varies internationally. European subscribers face different rates depending on their country.
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