YouTube TV FAQs
The basics
How do I get started with YouTube TV?
Best Buy and YouTube aim to make it as easy as possible to get started with YouTube TV. To start streaming, simply sign into your My Best Buy™ account, purchase the YouTube TV plan and follow the email activation instructions.
Which channels are available with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV lets you stream live and local sports, news, and shows from 100+ channels, including CBS, FOX, NBC, HGTV, TNT and more. It has complete local network coverage in over 98% of U.S. TV households, so be sure to find your own local lineup above. And for an additional monthly charge, you can always stack your lineup with a few more premium add-on networks like Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® and STARZ®.
Can I watch local sports?
Absolutely. YouTube TV delivers robust local sports coverage, giving you access to hometown teams, regional matchups and live broadcasts from major local networks, all included with your membership.
Which devices can I watch YouTube TV on?
YouTube TV is available on many supported devices. The goal is to let you watch YouTube TV anywhere, on any device and platform, and it’s always working to add more.
Watch on mobile devices:
- Smartphones and tablets running Android L or later
- iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 15 or later
- Download the YouTube TV app in your device’s app store by searching “YouTube TV”
Watch on computers:
- Watch directly on the web at tv.youtube.com
- For the best YouTube TV viewing experience, download the latest version of Chrome or Firefox
Watch on TVs with streaming media players, smart TVs, and game consoles:
- Download the YouTube TV app on select devices by searching “YouTube TV” in your device’s app store. Supported devices include select Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku players and TVs, Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Samsung and LG smart TVs, HiSense TVs, Xbox One and more.
- Stream YouTube TV to your TV using Google Chromecast, TVs with Chromecast built in, like Android TV, AirPlay for Apple TV or Google Smart Displays.
Where is YouTube TV available?
YouTube TV is available nationwide in over 99.5% of households in the United States.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV is $82.99/month for one membership with up to six household accounts. Memberships include national and local networks, its collection of on-demand movies and shows, and more. It also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage space. There are no hidden fees, equipment rentals or installation appointments. And for an additional monthly charge, get a few more premium add-on networks like HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® and STARZ®.
How will I know if I qualify for a YouTube TV offer?
A new YouTube TV subscriber may have an eligibility check performed on their Google account to confirm they qualify for any promotional offers or trials. This quick verification helps ensure the account meets YouTube TV’s location and subscription requirements.
Setup
Is it easy to switch to YouTube TV?
Absolutely. YouTube aims to make it as easy as possible to get started with YouTube TV. To start your free trial, just sign up online, make sure you have an internet connection and a supported device, and start watching in minutes. A valid form of payment is required at signup. There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees, and you can cancel anytime.
Your account
Can I watch YouTube TV while traveling?
YouTube TV works anywhere you have internet access in the U.S., with live TV offered in markets where YouTube TV is available. Your access to local networks will vary depending on which zip code you're in. Sign in from home at least once every three months to keep your account active. You won’t be able to access any programs on YouTube TV, live or recorded, while traveling internationally. If you’d like to watch YouTube TV while traveling without internet access, YouTube’s 4K Plus add-on allows you to save recordings from your Library to your phone or tablet so you can watch offline. (Some device and content restrictions apply).
Can I share my membership?
Yes, your YouTube TV membership comes with six accounts to share with roommates or family members in your household (ages 13 and up). Everyone gets their own login, personalized recommendations, and individual DVR Library. Your membership includes up to three simultaneous streams. For an additional monthly charge, YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on unlocks unlimited streams at home so you can watch on as many compatible screens as you want.
Do I have to share one DVR Library with my household?
Not at all. Your dream Library is all yours. The six accounts that come with your membership each have their own separate login with personalized recommendations and an individual DVR Library.
What if I want to cancel?
Not a problem – you can cancel anytime. There are no fees for cancelling. YouTube TV would hate to see you go, but your settings will be saved in case you want to restart your membership later. Please note that YouTube TV offer refunds for partial billing periods.
Ads
Does YouTube TV have ads?
Yes. The live TV programming comes from networks similar to traditional TV broadcasts, so many of the networks offered have ad breaks. When YouTube videos are shown on YouTube TV, the majority of the ad revenue from them will support the creators of those videos.
Can I fast-forward through ads?
Depending on how you watch, you’ll be able to skip some ads.
- Live TV: As with traditional TV, you can't fast-forward through ads while watching live TV. But if you pause a show, you can fast-forward until you catch up to the live version.
- DVR: You can typically fast-forward through ads on recorded programs once they’ve aired on live TV.
- On demand: Many networks provide recent episodes of shows, movies and more on demand. Typically, you can’t fast-forward through ads while watching on-demand content. If you've recorded something that's also available on demand at the time you're watching, in some cases the on-demand version will be played back instead of your recording.
- YouTube videos: If you're a YouTube Premium member, you won't see ads on any YouTube videos in YouTube TV. If you’re not a YouTube Premium member, you will see ads on YouTube videos, which allows YouTube to support the creators of those videos.
What's the difference between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with major broadcast and popular cable networks. YouTube Premium gives you YouTube and YouTube Music ad-free, offline, and in the background. YouTube Premium isn’t included in your YouTube TV membership. However, if you are a YouTube Premium member, you can watch YouTube content on YouTube TV without ads.
Add-ons
What premium networks can I add to my membership?
YouTube TV has a wide variety of premium add-ons like HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, and MGM+ to help you build your dream TV experience. They’re available at an additional charge, but many of them offer free trials for new users.
How do I add premium networks?
Once you become a member, just go to the “YouTube TV Membership” tab under “Settings” to see all add-ons. Then, simply add the ones you want, or start a free trial if one is available.
On which devices can I watch 4K quality video?
Stream select live and on-demand content in 4K with the 4K Plus add-on, available at an extra monthly charge. This special-features bundle also unlocks offline recordings for available content and unlimited streams at home. 4K playback is only available on compatible devices.
Sponsored