YouTube TV Base Plan: What's Included
YouTube TV's base plan gives you access to live TV channels, on-demand shows and movies, and cloud DVR storage. The plan includes over 100 channels at launch, though the exact lineup varies by your location and changes over time as YouTube negotiates with networks. You can watch on one screen at a time with the base plan.
The service streams over the internet rather than through cable or satellite, so you need a broadband connection. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices that support the YouTube TV app. The base plan does not include premium add-ons like sports packages or movie channels — those cost extra.
Cloud DVR storage comes with the base plan and lets you record programs to watch later. Recordings stay available for nine months unless you delete them. You can fast-forward through most recorded content, though some programs have restrictions set by the networks.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base plan includes over 100 live channels, on-demand content, and unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost.
- The base plan allows one person to watch at a time, while higher tiers unlock simultaneous viewing on multiple screens.
- Channel lineups vary by location and change when YouTube's contracts with networks renew or expire.
- Premium add-ons like sports packages and movie channels cost extra on top of the base plan price.
- You need broadband internet and a compatible device to stream; the service does not work with traditional TV antennas or cable boxes.
How Many Screens Can Watch at Once
The base plan limits you to one screen watching at the same time. If someone else in your household tries to watch on a different device while you are watching, their stream will stop and they will see a message that another household member is already watching.
YouTube TV offers a higher tier that costs more per month and allows up to four simultaneous streams. That tier also includes 4K resolution on compatible devices, though 4K content is limited to certain programs and channels. The base plan streams in up to 1080p resolution.
Channels Included in the Base Plan
The base plan includes major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox in most markets. It also carries cable news channels, sports networks, entertainment channels, and local stations depending on where you live. YouTube publishes a channel list for your specific zip code on its website so you can see exactly what is available before you subscribe.
Channel availability changes when YouTube's contracts with networks expire and renew. Some channels may be added or removed, and occasionally YouTube and a network have a dispute that causes a temporary blackout. These disputes are rare but can last from days to weeks.
Recording and Rewatching Programs
The base plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, meaning you can record as many programs as you want without paying extra or running out of space. Recordings are stored on YouTube's servers, not on a device in your home, so you can watch them from any device where you are signed into your account.
Recorded programs stay available for nine months. After that, they are automatically deleted. You can manually delete recordings at any time if you want to remove them sooner. Some networks restrict fast-forwarding on recorded content, so you may have to watch commercials in certain programs even though you recorded them.
Devices You Can Watch On
YouTube TV works on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers running Windows or Mac, and TV devices including Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs. The app is also available on some LG and Vizio televisions. You sign in with your YouTube account and can watch on any compatible device.
You do not need a separate box or antenna. The service streams entirely over the internet, so as long as your device has the YouTube TV app and a broadband connection, you can watch. Internet speed requirements are modest — YouTube recommends at least 3 megabits per second for standard definition and 13 megabits per second for 4K, though most modern broadband connections exceed these speeds.
How the Base Plan Compares to Add-Ons and Higher Tiers
YouTube TV offers optional add-ons that layer on top of the base plan. These include sports packages, movie channels like HBO and Showtime, and international channels. Each add-on costs extra per month. You can add or remove them at any time without changing your base plan.
The next tier up from the base plan costs more per month and includes the ability to watch on four screens at once instead of one, plus 4K resolution on compatible devices and channels. Some households find the base plan sufficient if only one person watches at a time, while others need the higher tier to avoid conflicts over who is watching when.
YouTube TV also offers a bundle with YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, which costs more than the base plan alone but less than paying for all three separately. This bundle is useful only if you want those services in addition to live TV.
Cancellation and Pausing Your Subscription
You can cancel your YouTube TV subscription at any time through your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you keep access until that date. There are no cancellation fees or long-term contracts.
YouTube TV also offers the option to pause your subscription for up to three months. While paused, you are not charged, but you lose access to the service. Pausing is useful if you know you will not watch for a while but plan to return later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch YouTube TV on my smart TV?
Yes, if your TV is a Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, or Vizio model made in recent years. You read the YouTube TV app from your TV's app store and sign in with your account. If your TV is older or a different brand, you can connect a streaming device like Roku or Apple TV to watch.
What happens if I lose internet during a show I am recording?
The recording continues on YouTube's servers regardless of your internet connection. You can watch it later once your internet is back. Live TV requires an active connection, but cloud DVR recordings are stored remotely and do not depend on your home network.
Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members in another house?
YouTube TV is designed for household members sharing one account. Sharing with people outside your household violates the terms of service. YouTube may disable the account if it detects use from multiple locations far apart, though occasional travel is permitted.
Do I have to watch commercials on the base plan?
Yes. Live TV channels include commercials just as they do on cable or antenna. On-demand content and recordings may also include ads depending on the network and program. YouTube TV does not offer an ad-free tier for live TV.
What internet speed do I need for YouTube TV?
YouTube recommends 3 megabits per second for standard definition and 13 megabits per second for 4K. Most broadband plans meet these requirements. You can check your speed with free online tools, and your internet provider can tell you what speed your plan includes.