YouTube launched a streaming television service called YouTube TV in April 2017 in five major cities namely New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Due to its success in these five major markets, YouTube TV expanded its reach to other cities in the US. Let us know What Channels Are On YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is exclusively available in the US alone and is currently providing services to nearly 98% of US households. This service offers live TV, on-demand video, and cloud-based DVR from over 85 channels in the US including CBS, FOX, NBC, HGTV, TNT, and much more.
The most popular channels on YouTube TV are USA, Bravo, FX, and AMC. Apart from these, YouTube TV also offers 24-hour news network channels like MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, BBC World News, etc., and other kids and entertainment channels like Cartoon Network, truTV, HBO, HBO East, HBO West, and Turner Classic Movies among others.
YouTube TV offers services through which customers can stream live and local sports programs, news, and TV shows from the channels it offers; it also provides access to local and regional network channels.
How to choose the right package?
The basic plan for YouTube TV costs about $65 a month. Through this plan, customers can gain access to sports, lifestyle, and news channels that sum up to about 85+ channels from leading networks.
There are other packages provided by YouTube TV wherein customers need to pay an additional fee along with the base package fee. Some of these packages are listed below:
- Showtime ($11/month)
- 4K Plus ($10/month)
- Epix ($6/month)
- Starz ($9/month)
- Entertainment Plus ($30/month)
- HBO Max ($15/month)
For an additional $10.99 a month customers can subscribe to the Sports Plus package which includes the following channels and more:
- NFL RedZone
- TVG
- Fox Soccer Plus
- Stadium
- GOL TV
The above packages are like add-ons to the existing base package. Through this option, customers can choose from a wide variety of kids, entertainment, sports, and other channels available on YouTube TV.
To subscribe to YouTube TV customers need to have an internet connection with at least 3 Mbps to enjoy an optimal viewing experience. Once they have subscribed to YouTube TV they will have full access to the above channels and services.
What special features does YouTube TV have?
Customers who signed up for the basic plan can stream live content on YouTube TV on up to three devices simultaneously. These devices can be separate or a combination of smartphones, computers, tablets, streaming devices, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
The devices supported by YouTube TV are listed below:
- Streaming media players – Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield TV, etc.
- Smart TVs – Sharp Smart TV, Android TV, LG Smart TV, Vizio Smart TV, Hisense Smart TV, etc.
- Mobile – Most Android and iOS services
- Computer – Linux, Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS
- Game Consoles – PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, etc.
What unique services does YouTube TV provide?
There are some special services offered by YouTube TV, namely:
- YouTube TV offers unlimited storage services which enable its customers to save their favorite recordings for up to nine months
- There is no limit on simultaneous recordings and customers can stream their library from anywhere
- Customers can create a family group and share their membership with up to 5 members at no additional cost; each account will have its personal library space
- Using Chromecast, customers can easily stream YouTube to their ordinary or smart TVs by clicking “cast” YouTube from their phone, computer, or tablet. They need to plug their device into one of the HDMI ports of their TV before doing this
Customers need to pay for the packages alone as there will be no other additional costs or hidden fees in the name of
- Local channel fees
- Installation fees
- DVR fees
- Broadcast fees
- Cancellation fees
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a great initiative by YouTube which gained more momentum during the pandemic when people were mostly stuck at home craving more entertainment. Several streaming services are currently available in the US but YouTube TV stands out due to its unique services and packages. The service is customer-friendly and dependable and hence a popular choice among Americans.
FAQs
- What problems can occur while using YouTube TV?
YouTube TV has limited RSN coverage which might disappoint some sports fans. Other problems include ads appearing during live TV, some resolution limitations that might occur during streaming, and so on. These problems occur in most streaming and cable services so it is quite common.
- Is YouTube TV different from YouTube premium?
Yes, they are different. YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service while YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that provides access to special YouTube experiences, music, and other exclusive content.
- Is there a YouTube TV remote?
Customers can download the Harmony Hub app which is a remote control app for YouTube TV. It contains several features and can be used to control up to eight devices.
- Can I get HBO Max through YouTube TV at a cheaper price?
Once the HBO Max free trial comes to an end, customers will have to pay an additional $15 a month along with their YouTube TV subscription to add the streaming service to YouTube TV.
