YouTube is moving more features behind its Premium paywall, and song lyrics on YouTube Music are the latest target. Previously, the company closed loopholes that allowed free background playback. Now, users may need a subscription to see lyrics while streaming.
According to the source, the interface notifies users with “You have X views remaining; unlock lyrics with Premium,” where X starts at five and counts down each time the Lyrics tab is used.
This change has been quietly tested for months. Back in September, a small number of users first reported seeing the prompt. At the time, it seemed like a limited trial. Now, a wider audience is encountering it, suggesting Google has finalized the rollout.
Google has not yet confirmed this update officially. However, a similar delay occurred when background playback restrictions were introduced, with a statement coming days after the feature went live.
YouTube Music Premium costs $11 per month in the US, while YouTube Premium, which includes Music, background playback, and ad-free videos, is $14 per month. Pricing varies across European countries, depending on local subscriptions.