{{Short description|American subscription streaming TV service}} {{Distinguish|Google TV}} {{Use American English|date=December 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox website | name = YouTube TV | logo = YouTube TV logo 2024.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2024 | logo_size = 250px | industry = Pay television | services = Streaming television | type = OTT platform | fate = | predecessor = | successor = | founded = | founder = | location = 901 Cherry Avenue, San Bruno, California | country = United States | area_served = United States | key_people = | products = | owner = Alphabet Inc. | num_employees = | num_employees_year = | parent = Google (through YouTube) | website = {{URL|tv.youtube.com/}} | former_name = | users = {{increase}} 10,000,000 subscribers ({{As of|2025|11|7|lc=y|df=US}})<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=2025-11-07 |title=YouTube TV Surpasses 10 Million Subscribers, Solidifying Dominance in Live TV Streaming |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-surpasses-10-million-subscribers-solidifying-dominance-in-live-tv-streaming/ |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Cord Cutter News |language=en-us}}</ref> | launch_date = {{Start date and age|2017|4|5}} }}
'''YouTube TV''' is an American subscription over-the-top streaming television service operated by Google through its subsidiary YouTube. Launched in 2017,<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-youtube-tv-20170405-story.html|title=YouTube TV launches today. It has some cool features and some big drawbacks|date=April 5, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 24, 2017|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423222235/http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-youtube-tv-20170405-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the virtual multichannel video programming distributor offers a selection of live linear channel feeds and on-demand content from more than 100 television networks (including affiliates of the Big Three broadcast networks (such as ABC, NBC and CBS), Fox, The CW and PBS in most markets) and over 30 OTT-originated services,{{Not in body|date=April 2026}} as well as a cloud-based DVR.
The service, which is aimed at cord cutters, is available exclusively in the United States, and can be streamed through its dedicated website and mobile app, smart TVs and digital media players.<ref>{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Mark|title=YouTube TV, MLB become World Series partners|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/youtube-tv-mlb-become-world-series-partners-c257253238|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|website=MLB.com|date=October 3, 2017|access-date=October 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=NBA and YouTube TV announce first-ever presenting partnership of the NBA Finals|url=https://pr.nba.com/nba-youtube-tv-announce-first-ever-presenting-partnership-nba-finals/|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=March 26, 2018|access-date=October 19, 2020}}</ref> As of November 7, 2025, YouTube TV has over 10 million subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=2025-11-07 |title=YouTube TV Surpasses 10 Million Subscribers, Solidifying Dominance in Live TV Streaming |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-surpasses-10-million-subscribers-solidifying-dominance-in-live-tv-streaming/ |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Cord Cutters News |language=en-US}}</ref>
== History ==
=== 2017–2018 === YouTube TV launched on April 5, 2017, in five major U.S. markets—New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco.<ref name="latimes" /><ref>{{cite web |title=YouTube Is Officially in the Live TV Game Now |url=https://gizmodo.com/youtube-is-officially-in-the-live-tv-game-now-1794049030 |author=Christina Warren |website=Gizmodo |date=April 5, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-date=April 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422224855/http://gizmodo.com/youtube-is-officially-in-the-live-tv-game-now-1794049030 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to carrying national broadcast networks, YouTube TV offers cable-originated channels owned by the corporate parents of the four major networks and other media companies. Other channels initially available on the service included CNBC and MSNBC (owned by Comcast through NBCUniversal), BBC World News (owned by the BBC), Smithsonian Channel (owned by Paramount Skydance), Sundance TV and BBC America (owned by AMC Networks), numerous sports channels, Disney Channel (owned by The Walt Disney Company).<ref name="verge-10things">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/5/15194374/youtube-tv-live-streaming-10-important-things-to-know|title=10 important things to know before signing up for YouTube TV|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=2017-04-05|website=The Verge|access-date=2019-08-31|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831234832/https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/5/15194374/youtube-tv-live-streaming-10-important-things-to-know|url-status=live}}</ref>
YouTube TV members also received access to YouTube Premium’s original movies and series, though an additional subscription to Premium was required for customers to access ad-free content and additional app features; Showtime and Fox Soccer Plus were also purchasable as optional premium add-ons for an extra fee.<ref name="verge-10things"/> Also in 2017, YouTube added MLB Network, and entered into regional streaming rights deals with two Major League Soccer clubs, Seattle Sounders FC and Los Angeles FC.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-tv-seattle-sounders-exclusive-rights-1202713547/|title=YouTube TV Nabs Exclusive Streaming Rights to Seattle Sounders Games, Its Second MLS Deal|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=February 28, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=April 29, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505122343/http://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-tv-seattle-sounders-exclusive-rights-1202713547/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-tv-soccer-rights-los-angeles-football-club-1202682004/|title=YouTube TV Strikes Unprecedented Deal for Pro Sports TV Rights (EXCLUSIVE)|first1=Andrew|last1=Wallenstein|first2=Todd|last2=Spangler|date=January 31, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=April 29, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502194326/http://variety.com/2018/digital/news/youtube-tv-soccer-rights-los-angeles-football-club-1202682004/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2018, YouTube TV began carrying the Time Warner–owned Turner Broadcasting System's cable networks (including, among others, TBS, TNT, CNN and Cartoon Network). In addition, YouTube TV also announced a deal to add NBA TV and MLB Network. With these additional channels, the service increased its monthly price for the first time in March 2018, from $34.99 to $39.99, with no grandfathering or opt-out available.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://deadline.com/2018/02/youtube-tv-price-increase-cnn-tnt-adult-swim-1202289181/ | title = YouTube TV Adds Turner Networks, Bumps Price To $40 | publisher = Deadline | date = February 14, 2018 | access-date = April 15, 2019 | first = Patrick | last = Hipes | archive-date = April 15, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190415172918/https://deadline.com/2018/02/youtube-tv-price-increase-cnn-tnt-adult-swim-1202289181/ | url-status = live }}</ref> On June 19, 2018, under an agreement with Lionsgate, YouTube TV began offering Starz as a premium add-on, containing linear feeds of the six Starz and eight Starz Encore channels.<ref>{{cite web|title=Starz launches 14 channels on YouTube TV|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/19/starz-launches-14-channels-on-youtube-tv/|author=Sarah Perez|website=TechCrunch|date=June 19, 2018|access-date=November 1, 2022}}</ref>
=== 2019–2020 === The service expanded to cover 98% of U.S. households by January 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last= Graham |first= Jefferson |title= Heads up, cord cutters: YouTube TV goes national |url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2019/01/23/youtube-tv-goes-national-reach-more-viewers/2646006002/ |access-date= January 24, 2019 |work= USA Today |date= January 23, 2019 |archive-date= January 23, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190123223219/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2019/01/23/youtube-tv-goes-national-reach-more-viewers/2646006002/ |url-status= live }}</ref> In March 2019, YouTube TV launched in Glendive, Montana, thus making the service available in all 210 American television markets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-launches-in-glendive-montana-is-now-live-nationwide/|title=YouTube TV Launches in Glendive, Montana & is Now Live Nationwide|first=Luke|last=Bouma|date=March 28, 2019|access-date=January 1, 2020|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093533/https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-launches-in-glendive-montana-is-now-live-nationwide|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, 2019, YouTube TV added nine networks owned by Discovery, Inc. (including Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet and OWN), were not absent after streamer's launch, bringing the service's lineup up to 70 channels.<ref name="thr-discovery">{{cite web |url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/youtube-tv-raises-price-adds-discovery-channels-1201029 |title = YouTube TV Raises Price, Adds Discovery Channels |publisher = The Hollywood Reporter |first = Natalie |last = Jarvey |date = April 10, 2019 |access-date = April 15, 2019 |archive-date = April 16, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190416063257/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/youtube-tv-raises-price-adds-discovery-channels-1201029 |url-status = live }}</ref> The service concurrently announced a second monthly price increase, from $39.99 to $49.99, without grandfathering existing customers or allowing them to opt out.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pelegrin |first=Williams |title=YouTube TV adds more channels, raises price for the second time |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-tv-new-channels-new-price-974924/ |website=Android Authority |access-date=May 13, 2019 |date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513205409/https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-tv-new-channels-new-price-974924/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 12 of that year, YouTube TV reached an agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to offer its Epix (now MGM+) premium service as an add-on.<ref>{{cite web|title=Epix, YouTube TV Reach Carriage Deal|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/epix-youtube-reach-carriage-deal|last=Umstead|first=R. Thomas|periodical=Multichannel News|publisher=Future US|date=April 10, 2019|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731014526/https://www.multichannel.com/news/epix-youtube-reach-carriage-deal|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2019, at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Pasadena, California, YouTube TV announced it had signed a multi-year deal with PBS to allow carriage of live streams of the public broadcaster's member stations and PBS Kids Channel beginning as early as the fourth quarter of 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=PBS forges deal with YouTube TV for localized live streams|url=https://current.org/2019/07/pbs-forges-deal-with-youtube-tv-for-localized-live-streams/|author=Jill Goldsmith|newspaper=Current|date=July 29, 2019|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730133745/https://current.org/2019/07/pbs-forges-deal-with-youtube-tv-for-localized-live-streams/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 15, 2019, the first PBS affiliate stations were added to YouTube TV.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/pbs-member-stations-now-live-on-youtube-tv/ | title=PBS Member Stations Now Live on YouTube TV | PBS About | website=PBS | access-date=January 8, 2020 | archive-date=December 30, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230194850/http://www.pbs.org/about/blogs/news/pbs-member-stations-now-live-on-youtube-tv/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On February 20, 2020, YouTube TV reached an agreement with WarnerMedia (now Warner Bros. Discovery) to carry HBO and Cinemax as add-ons, and allowing access to the conglomerate's HBO Max streaming service, which launched on May 20 of that year, with a containing HBO subscription. (Customers who subscribe to the HBO add-on can access content within the HBO Max app using their YouTube TV/Google account credentials.) The additions of HBO and Cinemax resulted in YouTube TV becoming the first American vMVPD service to offer all five major premium channels as add-ons.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/20/21145651/youtube-tv-hbo-streaming-max-cinemax-carriage-deal| title = HBO and HBO Max are headed to YouTube TV| publisher = The Verge| first = Julia| last = Alexander| date = February 20, 2020| access-date = February 24, 2020| archive-date = February 22, 2020| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200222033737/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/20/21145651/youtube-tv-hbo-streaming-max-cinemax-carriage-deal| url-status = live}}</ref>
In May 2020, YouTube TV reached an expanded, multi-year deal with ViacomCBS (now Paramount Skydance) to add the company's major cable networks (including MTV, Nickelodeon, BET and Comedy Central) that were notably absent since the streamer's launch. The deal also entailed a continued commitment to distribute several other ViacomCBS-owned networks, including CBS, Pop, The CW and Showtime, through YouTube TV, along with an extended partnership to distribute the media company's content on the broader YouTube platforms.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-viacomcbs-cable-networks-lineup-1234600453/ | title = YouTube TV Is Adding 14 Cable Networks From ViacomCBS Under Expanded Pact | website = Variety | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = May 7, 2020 | access-date = May 7, 2020 | archive-date = May 7, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507232104/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-viacomcbs-cable-networks-lineup-1234600453/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Eight of the channels were added on June 30, expanding YouTube TV's lineup to over 85 channels. The additions of the extra channels were accompanied by the service's third monthly price increase, from $49.99 to $64.99, which also had no grandfathering or opt-out provisions.<ref name="VtyViacomCBSAdded">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-raises-price-30-percent-65-per-month-viacomcbs-1234694497/|title=YouTube TV Hikes Price by 30% to $65 per Month With Launch of ViacomCBS Channels|website=Variety|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630215521/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-raises-price-30-percent-65-per-month-viacomcbs-1234694497/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some of its competitors, such as Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV, have also implemented similar price increases over time.
In September 2020, YouTube TV added the NFL Network to its base lineup and announced the launch of a Sports Plus add-on package, which includes premium sports networks such as NFL RedZone, MavTV, GolTV, Fox Soccer Plus, Stadium and TVG for an additional cost.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/youtube-tv-nfl-network-sports-plus-add-on-170157380.html|title=YouTube TV adds NFL Network to its core lineup|website=Engadget|first=Christine|last=Fisher|date=September 3, 2020|access-date=September 3, 2020}}</ref> On December 1, 2020, YouTube TV announced an agreement to carry Nexstar Media Group's NewsNation (the former WGN America) beginning in January 2021.<ref>[http://www.wgntv.com/news/newsnation-wgn-america-coming-to-youtube-tv-in-january-2021/ NewsNation, WGN America coming to YouTube TV in January 2021] WGN. December 1, 2020.</ref> On March 16, 2021, YouTube TV announced that seven additional ViacomCBS-owned networks (including MTV2, TeenNick, Nick Jr. Channel, Dabl and BET Her) that were not added as part of the May 7 renewal agreement would be added to the lineup.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Prasham Parikh |title=YouTube TV just got seven new channels |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/03/17/youtube-tv-just-got-seven-new-channels/ |website=androidpolice.com |access-date=17 March 2021 |date=March 17, 2021}}</ref>
=== 2021–2022 === In February 2021, the service launched its "Entertainment Plus" add-on, an optional discount bundle (available for $29.99 per month) consisting of the HBO Max, Showtime and Starz premium add-ons.<ref>{{cite web|title=YouTube TV bundles HBO Max, Showtime and Starz|url=https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/youtube-tv-bundles-hbo-max-showtime-and-starz|author=Christian Balderas|website=FierceVideo|date=February 18, 2021|access-date=November 1, 2022}}</ref> On September 2, 2021, YouTube TV announced that BeIN Sports, Outside TV, VSiN and several other niche sports channels would be added to its Sports Plus add-on tier, effective September 8.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bowman|first=Ben|title=YouTube TV Adds More Channels to Sports Plus Add-On on September 8|url=https://thestreamable.com/news/youtube-tv-adds-more-channels-to-sports-plus-add-on|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The Streamable|date=September 2, 2021|language=en|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914162232/https://thestreamable.com/news/youtube-tv-adds-more-channels-to-sports-plus-add-on|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In May 2022, the service launched a secondary Spanish-language base plan aimed at Hispanic and Latino customers, and a complimentary "Spanish Plus" add-on; the "Spanish Plan", available for $34.99 per month, consists of 28 Spanish-language channels (including ESPN Deportes, CNN en Español, Cine Latino, Estrella TV, Nat Geo Mundo and Cine Mexicano), while Spanish Plus, available for $14.99 per month, includes over 25 Spanish-language channels (including several that are offered as part of the main Spanish plan). The Spanish plan—which, unlike the Spanish Plus add-on, does not require a subscription to the main base plan—launched with a seven-day free trial.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Expanding Spanish-language content on YouTube TV with Spanish Plus and Spanish Plan |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/expanding-spanish-language-content-on-youtube-tv-with-spanish-plus-and-spanish-plan/ |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=blog.youtube |language=en-us}}</ref>
In September 2022, YouTube TV began allowing subscribers the option of purchasing its premium add-ons without requiring signing up for the 85-channel base plan (a concept similar to the streaming channel stores operated by Apple, Prime Video and Roku), with around 20 add-ons initially being made available for purchase à la carte, including HBO Max; Cinemax; Showtime; Starz; MGM+; Hallmark Movies Now; CuriosityStream; MLB.tv and NBA League Pass. (YouTube launched a standalone channel store, Primetime Channels, within the platform's Movies & TV hub on November 1 of that year.)<ref name="engadget-yttvaddons">{{cite web|title=You can now buy some YouTube TV add-ons without the $65 base plan|url=https://www.engadget.com/youtube-tv-add-on-channel-subscriptions-172712214.html|author=Kris Holt|website=Engadget|date=September 30, 2022|access-date=November 1, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=YouTube Is Reselling Subscriptions to 34 Streaming Services, Including Paramount+ and Showtime|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/youtube-primetime-channels-subscriptions-paramount-plus-showtime-1235419502/|author=Todd Spangler|magazine=Variety|date=November 1, 2022}}</ref>
In December 2022, YouTube TV was named the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket beginning with the 2023 NFL season. YouTube TV replaces DirecTV as the package's provider; DirecTV had carried the package since its 1994 inception, a 29-year run.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2022|title=NFL, Google announce agreement to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, Primetime Channels |url= https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-google-nfl-sunday-ticket-youtube-tv-youtube-primetime-channels |access-date=December 22, 2022 |work=NFL.com}}</ref> CNBC characterized this as a win for both YouTube TV as well as traditional television networks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizzo |first=Lillian |title=YouTube's NFL 'Sunday Ticket' deal is a win for traditional TV networks, too – here's why |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/23/youtube-nfl-sunday-ticket-deal-win-for-traditional-media-companies.html |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=CNBC |date=December 23, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> YouTube's chief product officer, Neal Mohan, said this was logical progression given how people consume sports content, and noted that subscriptions were a big part of the service's future. He also noted that "creators [would] have exclusive access to games, everything from the first game all the way through the Super Bowl, so that they can produce content on the NFL channel, but they can also produce their own content for YouTube shorts."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Nilay |date=2022-12-23 |title=Why YouTube spent the money on NFL Sunday Ticket |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/12/23/23523280/youtube-nfl-redzone-channel-sunday-ticket |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> At the time of announcement, this move would not affect the NFL Network and RedZone on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blumenthal |first=Eli |title=NFL Sunday Ticket and YouTube: 8 Things Football Fans Should Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nfl-sunday-ticket-and-youtube-8-things-football-fans-should-know/ |access-date=2022-12-27 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> NFL Sunday Ticket officially launched as a standalone add-on on both YouTube TV and YouTube's Primetime Channels store on August 16, 2023.<ref name=nfl-sunday>{{cite web|title=Google's YouTube Grabs NFL Sunday Ticket in Seven-Year Deal|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/youtube-tv-nfl-sunday-ticket-2023-season-1235468074/|website=Variety|date=December 22, 2022|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref><ref name=NFLNews>{{cite news|title=NFL, Google announce agreement to distribute NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, Primetime Channels|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-google-nfl-sunday-ticket-youtube-tv-youtube-primetime-channels|website=NFL.com|date=December 22, 2022|access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>
=== 2023–present === On January 31, 2023, YouTube TV notified subscribers that it was dropping MLB Network after the company was unable to reach a new agreement with the channel for continued carriage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=2023-01-31 |title=YouTube TV drops MLB Network after carriage deal expires |url=https://thedesk.net/2023/01/youtube-tv-drops-mlb-network/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=The Desk |language=en-US}}</ref> In a statement, a spokesperson for the channel said it was simply asking YouTube TV for a deal that was comparable to what around 300 other cable, satellite and streaming companies had agreed to in the past.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lucia |first=Joe |date=2023-02-01 |title=MLB Network dropped by YouTube TV |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/mlb/mlb-network-dropped-by-youtube-tv.html |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}</ref>
On March 16, 2023, YouTube TV increased the price from $64.99 to $72.99 per month for new members, and April 18, 2023, for existing members who subscribed to YouTube TV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Aisha |date=2023-03-16 |title=YouTube TV hikes price to $72.99 per month due to rising 'content costs' |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/16/youtube-tv-hikes-price-to-72-99-per-month-due-to-rising-content-costs/ |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> The price of some add-on packages, like its 4K feature, was reduced to account for the price increase.
On May 17, 2023, YouTube TV received backlash after a glitch that made many channels unavailable for several hours, including TNT, who were airing an NBA playoff game between the Boston Celtics & Miami Heat. The glitch made subscribers unable to watch the ending of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keys |first=Matthew |date=2023-05-18 |title=YouTube TV glitch blocks TNT during Miami Heat, Boston Celtics game |url=https://thedesk.net/2023/05/tnt-goes-down-on-youtube-tv-during-miami-heat-boston-celtics-game/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=The Desk |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=YouTube TV malfunction prevents fans from watching Celtics-Heat fourth quarter |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/youtube-tv-malfunction-keeps-fans-watching-celtics-heat-fourth-quarter/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The service received an unexpected boost from a carriage dispute between Disney and Charter Communications in August, in the advent of the college football and NFL season, with many users advising impacted Charter customers to consider switching to YouTube TV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=September 28, 2023 |title=YouTube Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe On NFL Sunday Ticket "Exceeding Expectations", Unexpected Disney-Charter Plugs & More |url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/nfl-sunday-ticket-youtube-chief-business-officer-mary-ellen-coe-interview-1235555380/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928175848/https://deadline.com/2023/09/nfl-sunday-ticket-youtube-chief-business-officer-mary-ellen-coe-interview-1235555380/ |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=September 11, 2023 |title=[Update: Resolved] ESPN and Disney channels went dark on Spectrum; YouTube TV trends as alternative |url=https://9to5google.com/2023/09/11/disney-espn-spectrum-dispute/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926044907/https://9to5google.com/2023/09/11/disney-espn-spectrum-dispute/ |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=9to5Google}}</ref>
On December 12, 2023, the separate HBO and HBO Max linear/VOD add-ons were converted into a singular HBO Max offering that—in addition to featuring HBO's live linear feeds and VOD content—includes in-app library access to Max's ad-free tier, and live feeds of the service's streaming channels, CNN Max (offering a mix of programs simulcast from CNN and CNN International) and Bleacher Report (a four-channel, gametime-only service that airs Max-exclusive and Warner Bros. Discovery-owned linear network simulcasts of sports events).<ref>{{cite press release|title=Max Now Available on YouTube Primetime Channels|url=https://wbd.com/max-now-available-on-youtube-primetime-channels/|publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery|date=December 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Max becomes a YouTube primetime channel inductee - ads not included|url=https://www.techradar.com/streaming/max-becomes-a-youtube-primetime-channel-inductee-ads-not-included|author=Rowan Davies|website=TechRadar|publisher=Future US, Inc.|date=December 13, 2023}}</ref>{{NoteTag|Prior to December 2023, the standalone HBO add-on was sold exclusively to base plan subscribers, while the HBO Max add-on (originally also requiring a base subscription to purchase) had been available for purchase to all subscribers since YouTube TV removed base plan requirements for most add-ons in September 2022.}}
On December 10, 2025, Google announced it would introduce a slate of genre-specific channel packages in early 2026. Google did not announce pricing at the time, but packages are expected to cost less than its current base plan, which runs $82.99 per month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simonetti |first=Isabella |date=2025-12-10 |title=YouTube TV to Offer Pared-Down, Lower-Priced Channel Bundles |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/media/youtube-tv-to-offer-pared-down-lower-priced-channel-bundles-7d997e9a |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Features == YouTube TV offers a cloud-based DVR service with unlimited storage that saves recordings for nine months; access to the DVR required a subscription to the service's base channel plan until September 2022, when YouTube TV expanded the feature to subscribers of its premium add-ons who do not have an accompanying subscription to the base package.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129564?hl=en |title=YouTube TV help |access-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116193802/https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129564?hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="engadget-yttvaddons"/> Each subscription can be shared among six accounts and allows up to three simultaneous streams.
== Supported devices == Supported YouTube TV devices include:
=== Smart TVs === * Android TV * Hisense Smart TV * LG Smart TV (on webOS 3.0 or higher) * Roku Smart TV{{NoteTag|name=Roku|Removed from Roku channel store in April 2021;<ref>{{cite web|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=April 30, 2021|title=Roku removes YouTube TV from channel store as dispute with Google escalates|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/30/22411711/roku-removes-youtube-tv-channel-store|work=The Verge|access-date=May 8, 2021}}</ref> folded into the main YouTube app in May;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holt|first=K.|date=May 7, 2021|title=YouTube crams YouTube TV into its main app on Roku|url=https://www.engadget.com/youtube-tv-main-app-roku-dispute-182654258.html|access-date=2021-05-08|website=Engadget|language=en-US}}</ref> re-added to the Roku channel store in December.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Boorstin |first1=Julia |last2=Sherman |first2=Alex |date=December 8, 2021 |title=Roku stock pops on multiyear agreement with Google to keep YouTube on streaming platform |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/08/roku-reaches-agreement-with-google-to-keep-youtube.html |access-date=December 9, 2021 |website=CNBC}}</ref>}} * Samsung Smart TV (2017 & higher models only) * Sharp Smart TV * Sony Smart TV * TCL Smart TV * Vizio Smartcast * Walton Smart TV
=== Streaming media players === * Amazon Fire TV * Apple TV (4th generation & 4K) * Chromecast * Chromecast with Google TV * Nvidia Shield TV * Roku Players{{NoteTag|name=Roku}} * TiVo Stream 4K
=== Game consoles === * PlayStation 4 (Original model, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro) * PlayStation 5 (Original Base and Digital editions model, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Pro) * Xbox One (Original model, Xbox One S, Xbox One S All Digital Edition, and Xbox One X) * Xbox Series (Series S and Series X)
=== Mobile === * Android mobile devices * iOS mobile devices (10.x or higher)
=== Computer === * ChromeOS * Linux * macOS * Windows
== Carriage disputes == In February 2020, YouTube TV announced that Sinclair Broadcast Group–owned regional sports networks (including Fox Sports Networks and YES Network) would likely be pulled from the service on February 28, 2020, citing high carriage fees. On that day, YouTube TV announced that it had reached an interim agreement to continue offering the channels on the platform while negotiations are under way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/29/21159033/youtube-tv-sinclair-fox-regional-sports-networks-yes-network-extension|title=YouTube TV will keep streaming Fox RSNs and YES Network during negotiations with Sinclair|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=2020-02-29|website=The Verge|access-date=2020-02-29|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229155832/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/29/21159033/youtube-tv-sinclair-fox-regional-sports-networks-yes-network-extension|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 5, 2020, YouTube TV and Sinclair reached a new deal to continue carrying all the Fox RSNs except three – the YES Network, Fox Sports Prime Ticket and Fox Sports West.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-sinclair-19-fox-rsns-drops-networks-1203524811/ | title = YouTube TV Inks Deal for 19 Fox Regional Sports Nets With Sinclair, Drops YES and Two Others | website = Variety | first = Todd | last = Spangler | date = March 5, 2020 | access-date = March 6, 2020 | archive-date = March 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200305175039/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-tv-sinclair-19-fox-rsns-drops-networks-1203524811/ | url-status = live }}</ref> However, on October 1, 2020, the networks (one of which was carrying the Bally Sports moniker) were pulled off the service after the two sides could not come to a renegotiation agreement.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=September 30, 2020|title=YouTube TV is losing Fox regional sports networks|work=The Verge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/30/21495642/youtube-tv-fox-regional-sports-networks-streaming-sinclair-mlb-nhl-nba|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Scrivens|first=Scott|date=September 30, 2020|title=YouTube TV is losing Fox Regional Sports from October 1|work=Android Police|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/09/30/youtube-tv-is-losing-fox-regional-sports-from-october-1/|access-date=December 9, 2020}}</ref> The same month, YouTube TV dropped NESN, which carries games for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gurwin|first=Jason|title=BREAKING: NESN To Be Dropped From YouTube TV on October 31st|url=https://thestreamable.com/news/breaking-nesn-to-be-dropped-from-youtube-tv-on-october-31st|access-date=2021-09-14|website=The Streamable|date=October 30, 2020|language=en|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211095305/https://thestreamable.com/news/breaking-nesn-to-be-dropped-from-youtube-tv-on-october-31st|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In September 2021, YouTube TV entered into a dispute with NBCUniversal when negotiating a renewal of their contract, with the latter warning that its channels would be removed from the service if they failed to reach an agreement by the end of the month.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=NBCU Warns YouTube TV Viewers They May Lose Channels, Including Local NBC Stations |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/nbcuniversal-youtube-tv-lose-channels-1235074726/ |website=Variety |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926221330/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/nbcuniversal-youtube-tv-lose-channels-1235074726/ |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> NBC had reportedly demanded YouTube TV bundle their Peacock streaming service,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brodkin |first1=Jon |title=NBC demanded that YouTube TV bundle Peacock or lose access to NBC channels |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/09/nbc-demanded-that-youtube-tv-bundle-peacock-or-lose-access-to-nbc-channels/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928185727/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/09/nbc-demanded-that-youtube-tv-bundle-peacock-or-lose-access-to-nbc-channels/ |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |date=September 28, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> while YouTube TV announced that it would decrease their price by $10 if the contract is not renewed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Li |first1=Abner |title=Google says YouTube TV will get a $10/month price drop if NBC channels leave next week |url=https://9to5google.com/2021/09/26/youtube-tv-price-nbc/ |website=9to5Google |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927001026/https://9to5google.com/2021/09/26/youtube-tv-price-nbc/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |date=September 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The two companies failed to reach an agreement by October 1, but agreed to a "short extension" to avoid the channels being taken down.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Catie |last2=Byford |first2=Sam |title=YouTube TV and NBCUniversal agree to 'short' extension to avoid channels disappearing |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/30/22702511/youtube-tv-nbcuniversal-extension-dispute-negotiation |website=The Verge |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001035423/https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/30/22702511/youtube-tv-nbcuniversal-extension-dispute-negotiation |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |date=September 30, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> A deal was reached a day later.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=NBCUniversal And YouTube TV Reach Carriage Deal, Avoid Blackout; NBCU Says It Felt "Obligated" To Warn Viewers – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/nbcuniversal-youtube-tv-reach-carriage-deal-avoid-blackout-1234848419/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=October 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002005711/https://deadline.com/2021/10/nbcuniversal-youtube-tv-reach-carriage-deal-avoid-blackout-1234848419/ |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |date=October 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In December 2021, YouTube TV engaged in a dispute with The Walt Disney Company over a renewal in their contract, warning customers about the possible removal of ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX, National Geographic, and other Disney-owned networks should the two fail to reach an agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2021 |title=YouTube TV warns customers they may lose access to 18 Disney-owned channels by week's end |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/12/14/youtube-tv-warns-customers-they-may-lose-access-to-18-disney-owned-channels-by-weeks-end/ |access-date=December 17, 2021 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> Google and Disney were unable to renew their contract by the expiration date, resulting in YouTube TV's first contract-related blackout.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=December 18, 2021 |title=Disney Channels Including ABC, ESPN Go Dark on YouTube TV After Google Deal Lapses |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/disney-youtube-tv-channels-blackout-1235137069/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218055202/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/disney-youtube-tv-channels-blackout-1235137069/ |archive-date=December 18, 2021 |access-date=December 18, 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref> This was resolved a day later, with the two companies reaching a new deal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bella |first=Timothy |date=December 19, 2021 |title=YouTube TV to restore ABC, ESPN and other channels after making deal with Disney |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/12/18/youtube-tv-disney-espn-dark-streaming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220050110/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/12/18/youtube-tv-disney-espn-dark-streaming/ |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |access-date=December 20, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
In January 2023, MLB Network was pulled off YouTube TV after they failed to reach a contract renewal agreement.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=J. Clara |title=MLB Network Exits YouTube TV Ahead of Spring Training After Contract Dispute |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/mlb-network-youtube-tv-contract-1235315083/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 31, 2023 |date=January 31, 2023}}</ref>
On November 18, 2023, Phoenix, Arizona television station KTVK was pulled off YouTube TV as a local channel in the state of Arizona due to a dispute between YouTube TV and KTVK's parent company, Gray Television. This leaves viewers on that service unable to watch the majority of locally televised Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury basketball games not televised by TNT, ESPN, or ABC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=NBA's Phoenix Suns Set to Get Pulled Off YouTube TV Amid vMVPD's Dispute With Gray Television |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nbas-phoenix-suns-set-pulled-191142711.html |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.azfamily.com/2023/11/09/youtube-tv-subscribers-lose-3tv-starting-november-18th/ | title=YouTube TV Subscribers Lose 3TV as of November 18th | date=November 9, 2023 }}</ref>
On February 12, 2025, YouTube TV engaged in a dispute with Paramount Global over a renewal in their contract, warning customers about the possible removal of CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Paramount+ with Showtime, BET, Comedy Central, and other Paramount-owned networks should the two fail to reach an agreement on February 13.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd|title=YouTube TV Could Lose CBS, Comedy Central, MTV and More in Contract Dispute With Paramount|url=https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/youtube-tv-dispute-paramount-cbs-comedy-central-mtv-1236306040/|website=Variety |access-date=February 12, 2025 |date=February 13, 2025}}</ref> A shutdown would have potentially made 2025 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament games airing on CBS plus coverage of the Masters Tournament unavailable to YouTube TV subscribers. However, the two sides reached an agreement on the 13th.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Jared|title=YouTube TV, Paramount strike deal to avoid March Madness, Masters crisis|url=https://nypost.com/2025/02/16/sports/youtube-tv-paramount-strike-deal-to-avoid-march-madness-crisis/|website=New York Post |access-date=February 16, 2025 |date=February 16, 2025}}</ref>
On October 30, 2025, Disney pulled its networks from YouTube TV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2025-10-31 |title=ABC, ESPN & Other Disney Networks Go Dark On YouTube TV Before Contract Officially Expires |url=https://deadline.com/2025/10/abc-espn-disney-blackout-youtube-tv-1236603216/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonifield |first=Stevie |date=2025-11-05 |title=Films from YouTube and Google Play are no longer available on Movies Anywhere |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/815082/movies-anywhere-ends-google-play-youtube-support |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> The dispute was resolved on November 14, 2025, with the service agreeing to carry ESPN's new DTC service (whose content will also be integrated directly into the YouTube TV platform), as well as Disney+ and Hulu on selected plans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2025-11-15 |title=Disney And YouTube TV Reach Carriage Deal, Ending 15-Day Standoff |url=https://deadline.com/2025/11/disney-youtube-tv-reach-carriage-deal-ending-blackout-1236618250/ |access-date=2025-11-15 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>
== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}} * DirecTV Stream * Frndly TV * FuboTV * Hulu with Live TV * LocalBTV * Locast * Pluto TV * Philo * PlayStation Vue * Sling TV * Spectrum TV Stream * TVision * Xfinity Flex {{div col end}}
== Notes == {{Notefoot}} {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|https://tv.youtube.com/}} {{Internet streaming services}} {{YouTube navbox}} {{CATV USA}}
Category:Internet television streaming services Category:2017 establishments in California Category:Internet properties established in 2017 Category:YouTube