Here’s everything you need to know about YouTube TV, including what you can watch with it, how much it costs, and how to watch.
What is YouTube TV?
Launched by Google in 2017, YouTube TV is a subscription service that offers over 80 live channels. This includes the basic options you’d expect from any TV service – ABC, CBS, PBS – as well as other niche channels, like ESPN, HGTV and TNT.
The exact range of channels you’ll get will vary depending on your location. You can preview your channels by entering your postcode on the YouTube TV homepage.
A YouTube TV ad promoting the number of channels it offers.
Youtube
You can also add a number of “premium” channels to your account by paying an additional monthly fee. This includes HBO, STARZ and Showtime. This is in addition to an “Add-on Sports Plus” which adds more than a dozen dedicated sports channels.
And if live TV isn’t really your thing, YouTube TV also has a large catalog of on-demand shows and movies to binge on whenever you want.
YouTube TV offers on-demand movies and shows.
Youtube
Finally, every YouTube TV subscription includes an unlimited amount of cloud DVR storage. This allows you to record almost any live TV show or movie and then watch it whenever you want. You will also be able to rewind, fast forward and pause what you have recorded.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month for the most basic subscription. It’s about on par with similar live TV apps like
It comes with over 80 standard channels and unlimited DVR. You can stream up to 3 devices at a time, shared across 6 separate accounts.
As we mentioned, you can pay extra to add premium channels. This includes HBO ($15/month), STARZ ($9/month), Showtime ($11/month), EPIX ($6/month), Acorn TV ($6/month), and more. Programming and prices are subject to change, so keep an eye on the YouTube TV website for exact information.
And finally, you can register a 4K Plus package which allows you to stream
, save your recordings offline and stream them to as many devices as you want at once. It costs an extra $10 per month for the first year, then $20 per month thereafter.
Some of YouTube TV’s premium channels and add-ons.
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a New York-based writer, editor, and organizer. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference from humble beginnings to a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million monthly visits. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He’s also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcheror contact him by email at [email protected]
