YouTube TV is quickly making headlines. Many are hopeful it will start a revolution, sparking a new movement of cable-cutters in favor of streaming television. We’re tackling all of the most prominent questions about YouTube TV — what’s the cost, what channels are included, plus how to watch and record. Check out your questions below, answered.
What is YouTube TV and how much does it cost?
YouTube TV is a new live television streaming service. It’s designed for people who don’t want to pay for a full cable package nor want to watch solely on their TVs. It includes a bundle of slightly more than 40 networks. Some notable ones are ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN.
A YouTube TV subscription will cost $35 per month for up to six accounts. There are commitments, no contract, no ridiculous hassle. You can sign up, then cancel at any time.
How would I watch YouTube TV?
You can watch YouTube TV on just about any screen you have. Google will release YouTube TV apps for Android and iOS, which covers the bulk of tablets and smartphones. You’ll also be able to stream on your computer and of course to your TV. This would be done using ChromeCast. No word yet on whether YouTube TV will support other set-top boxes like Roku and Apple TV or if it’ll come pre-loaded on newer smart TVs. It seems likely though.
Because it’s a streaming service over the Internet rather than cable, you won’t need to be in your home or even connected to Wi-Fi to watch live TV. (Wi-Fi is recommended though unless you have unlimited data.)
What channels come with YouTube TV?
Check out the full list of channels in the image below.
Image credit: YouTube
The list includes ABC, CBS, Fox, Fox Sports, Fox News, NBC, NBCSN, MSNBC, the CW, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN U, ESPNews, USA, FX, FreeForm, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E, Bravo, Oxygen, Syfy, CNBC, National Geographic, Chiller, Sprout and several others.
Right now you can see the focus is largely on the big cable networks, kids content and sports. It’s a pretty solid selection for only $35 per month.
Add-on networks, Fox Soccer Plus and Showtime, will be available for additional fees. Google hasn’t specified how much those will cost.
Google did open up the possibility for additional networks in the future. Those would either be thrown in the package or added in a new pricing tier. A few unfortunate omissions for now include CNN, TBS, TNT, History, Comedy Central and HBO.
Does YouTube TV include DVR features?
Yes, YouTube TV has a cloud DVR feature. That means you’ll be able to record live TV from any channel. Plus, your DVR includes unlimited storage. You’ll never have to worry about running out of space for your movies and TV shows. Since it’s in the cloud, none of the recordings will take up space on your phone, tablet or computer either. YouTube TV stores recordings for nine months before purging.
You can also skip through commercials in your recordings. But not during live TV — good try.
Can my whole family subscribe to YouTube TV?
Yes, if you’re family has no more than six members. YouTube TV will let you link up to six Google accounts, granting all access to the service at no additional cost. Plus, each member will have their own recommendations and personal DVR so there are no mix-ups.
While Google will probably just charge one account the full $35, it seems like a group of friends would be able to share a subscription too as long is one is willing to pay upfront. Split six ways that’s just under $6 per month per person, which is an incredible deal.
What else comes with YouTube TV?
Not much to be frank. YouTube TV is a subscription service with live TV and cloud DVR and you can stream anywhere. Period. The only other perk you’ll get is YouTube Red originals.
Image credit: YouTube
YouTube Red is YouTube’s $10 per month subscription that gets rid of ads on YouTube and throws in some original content. So far there hasn’t been anything particularly compelling especially compared to Netflix originals. You also won’t get the removal of YouTube ads with a YouTube TV subscription.
Still, the original content is a free addition to your $35 per month bundle though, so hey, why not?
How can I get YouTube TV?
YouTube TV isn’t available just yet and Google did not announce a specific launch date. The announcement just says it’s coming “soon” to large markets in the U.S. and will expand from there. Those large markets weren’t specified either, but expect cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia to make the cut.
Eventually the service will be available across most of the country, or at least in all the major areas. It doesn’t seem Google has any plans for international support at this time.
You can sign up with your email address on the YouTube TV page to find out when it’s in your area.
