What YouTube TV is and who it's for
YouTube TV is a live television streaming service run by Google. You pay a monthly subscription and watch live channels, recorded shows, and on-demand content through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device. Unlike cable or satellite, there is no equipment to install, no technician visit, and no long-term contract.
YouTube TV carries broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News), sports networks (ESPN, NFL Network, regional sports channels), and entertainment channels. The exact lineup varies by your location because local broadcast stations differ by market. You can search for specific channels on YouTube TV's website to see what is available where you live before you subscribe.
The service is designed for people who want live television without a cable box — especially those who watch sports, news, or shows that air at a set time. If you mostly watch on-demand content and rarely watch live, a service like Netflix or Max might cost less. If you want the absolute lowest price, a basic ad-supported streaming service will be cheaper, but YouTube TV includes live channels that those services do not.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month for the base plan as of 2024, though the price has increased several times since launch and may change again.
- You can watch on up to three devices at the same time on one account, and you can create separate profiles for different household members.
- The service includes a cloud DVR that stores your recordings for up to nine months at no extra cost.
- You need a strong internet connection (Google recommends at least 3 Mbps for one stream, 35 Mbps for four simultaneous streams) and a compatible device such as a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, or smart TV.
- YouTube TV does not include premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime, but you can add some of them as paid add-ons.
Base plan pricing and what's included
The standard YouTube TV subscription is $72.99 per month as of 2024. This price has risen multiple times since the service launched in 2017 at $35 per month. YouTube has announced price increases roughly every one to two years, so the cost may be higher by the time you read this. Check YouTube TV's official pricing page to confirm the current rate in your area.
The base plan includes live channels, on-demand shows and movies from those channels, and unlimited cloud DVR storage for up to nine months. You can create up to six user profiles on one account, though only three can watch at the same time. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, and saved shows.
YouTube TV does not include premium movie channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz in the base plan. However, you can add these as optional add-ons for $9.99 to $15.99 per month each, depending on the channel. YouTube also offers a bundle that combines YouTube TV, YouTube Premium (ad-free YouTube), and YouTube Music for a higher monthly price.
Internet requirements and compatible devices
YouTube TV streams over the internet, so you need a reliable broadband connection. Google recommends at least 3 Mbps read speed to watch one stream in standard definition, 7 Mbps for one stream in high definition, and 35 Mbps if four people are watching simultaneously on the same account. If your internet is slower than this or frequently drops, you may experience buffering or picture quality issues.
You can watch YouTube TV on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers running Windows or Mac, and connected TV devices including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and many smart TVs with built-in apps. You cannot watch on older devices or devices that do not have YouTube TV's app available. Check the YouTube TV website to see the full list of supported devices before you subscribe.
You do not need a cable box, satellite receiver, or any special equipment. You read the YouTube TV app, sign in with your Google account, and start watching. Setup typically takes a few minutes.
Cloud DVR and how recording works
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. When you record a show, it is stored on Google's servers, not on a device in your home. You can record as many shows as you want, and they stay available for up to nine months. After nine months, YouTube TV automatically deletes them to make room for new recordings.
You can set up automatic recording for an entire series so that new episodes record as they air. You can also record individual episodes. Recordings are available to all six user profiles on your account, though you can delete a recording from your own profile without affecting others' access to it.
Some shows and movies are available on-demand through the channels' apps or YouTube TV itself, which means you do not need to record them — you can watch them anytime. Live sports and breaking news are the main reasons people use the DVR feature, since those events air at set times and are not always available on-demand afterward.
Simultaneous streaming and household sharing
YouTube TV allows three simultaneous streams on one account. This means three people can watch different channels or shows at the same time. If a fourth person tries to start watching, they will see an error message until one of the other streams stops.
You can create up to six user profiles on one account, each with its own watch history and recommendations. This is useful for households with multiple people who watch different types of content. However, all profiles share the same three simultaneous streams — the limit applies to the account as a whole, not per profile.
YouTube TV's terms of service state that the service is for use within a single household. If you share your login with people outside your home, you may violate the terms. YouTube has implemented technology to detect out-of-home sharing and may require you to verify your location periodically or restrict access if it detects unusual patterns.
Add-ons and premium channels
YouTube TV offers optional add-on subscriptions for premium channels and services. These include HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Paramount+, and others. Each add-on costs between $9.99 and $15.99 per month, depending on the channel and whether you choose an ad-supported or ad-free version. You can add or remove these at any time without affecting your base YouTube TV subscription.
Some add-ons are also available through other services. For example, you can subscribe to HBO Max directly through YouTube TV or sign up for it separately. Bundling through YouTube TV may or may not save money compared to subscribing directly — compare the prices before you decide.
YouTube TV also offers a bundle that combines YouTube TV, YouTube Premium (which removes ads from YouTube videos), and YouTube Music (a music streaming service) for a single monthly price. This bundle costs more than YouTube TV alone but less than paying for all three separately.
Cancellation and trial periods
YouTube TV does not currently offer a free trial period. You can start a subscription at any time, and you are charged when ready. You can cancel at any time through your account settings, and you will not be charged again after you cancel. There is no early termination fee or penalty for canceling.
If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so without any restriction. Your watch history, saved shows, and DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel, so if you resubscribe later, you start fresh.
YouTube TV's pricing and features change periodically. Before you subscribe, visit the official YouTube TV website to confirm the current price, included channels, and terms of service in your area. Pricing may vary slightly by region or by when you signed up, as YouTube sometimes grandfathers existing subscribers at older rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on my phone while traveling?
YouTube TV requires you to verify your home location periodically. You can watch on your phone outside your home for a limited time, but if you travel for an extended period or frequently watch from different locations, YouTube may restrict access. The service is designed for in-home use, and out-of-home viewing is limited to prevent account sharing.
What happens if my internet goes out?
YouTube TV requires an active internet connection to watch live channels. If your internet is down, you cannot watch. However, if you have downloaded shows to a mobile device through the YouTube TV app (where available), you may be able to watch those offline. Check the app to see if offline viewing is supported on your device.
Can I use YouTube TV with a VPN?
YouTube TV's terms of service prohibit using a VPN to watch from outside your registered home location. If YouTube detects VPN use, it may block access or require you to verify your location. Using a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions violates the service agreement.
How is YouTube TV different from YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium removes ads from YouTube videos and allows offline downloads and background play. YouTube TV is a separate service that provides live television channels. They are different products, though YouTube offers a bundle that includes both.
Do I need a Google account to use YouTube TV?
Yes, you sign in with a Google account to use YouTube TV. If you do not have one, you can create a free Google account before you subscribe. Your Google account is separate from your YouTube TV subscription.