Are you tired of traditional cable TV and looking for a more flexible and affordable way to access your favorite channels and shows? Look no further than YouTube TV. This live TV streaming service offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news, as well as access to YouTube’s vast library of on-demand content. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of starting YouTube TV, from signing up to setting up your account and exploring the various features and options available.
What is YouTube TV?
Before we dive into the process of starting YouTube TV, let’s take a brief look at what the service has to offer. YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that provides access to a wide range of channels, including:
- Local networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and more
- Sports: ESPN, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, and more
- News: CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and more
- Entertainment: AMC, Bravo, FX, and more
- Premium channels: HBO, Showtime, and Starz (available as add-ons)
In addition to live TV, YouTube TV also offers access to YouTube’s vast library of on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, and original content.
Benefits of YouTube TV
So why choose YouTube TV over traditional cable TV or other streaming services? Here are just a few benefits:
- Affordability: YouTube TV is generally cheaper than traditional cable TV, with a base price of $64.99 per month.
- Flexibility: YouTube TV allows you to watch live TV and on-demand content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Chromecast and Apple TV.
- No contracts: YouTube TV is a month-to-month service, so you can cancel at any time without penalty.
- Cloud DVR: YouTube TV includes a cloud DVR, which allows you to record live TV and watch it later on any device.
Signing Up for YouTube TV
Now that we’ve covered the basics of YouTube TV, let’s move on to the process of signing up. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check Availability
Before you can sign up for YouTube TV, you’ll need to check if the service is available in your area. YouTube TV is currently available in the United States, but it’s not available in all areas. To check availability, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Check Availability” button.
- Enter your zip code and click “Check.”
If YouTube TV is available in your area, you’ll see a list of channels and a “Sign Up” button.
Step 2: Create a Google Account
To sign up for YouTube TV, you’ll need a Google account. If you don’t already have a Google account, you can create one by following these steps:
- Go to the Google account sign-up page (accounts.google.com).
- Enter your first and last name, email address, and password.
- Click “Next” and follow the prompts to complete the sign-up process.
Step 3: Sign Up for YouTube TV
Once you have a Google account, you can sign up for YouTube TV by following these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Sign Up” button.
- Enter your Google account credentials and click “Next.”
- Review the terms of service and click “Agree.”
- Enter your payment information and click “Subscribe.”
Setting Up Your YouTube TV Account
Once you’ve signed up for YouTube TV, you’ll need to set up your account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Channels
YouTube TV offers a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. You can choose which channels you want to include in your subscription by following these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Live” tab.
- Browse through the available channels and click on the ones you want to add to your subscription.
Step 2: Set Up Your Cloud DVR
YouTube TV includes a cloud DVR, which allows you to record live TV and watch it later on any device. To set up your cloud DVR, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Library” tab.
- Click on the “Recordings” tab.
- Click on the “Set up DVR” button.
Step 3: Add Users
YouTube TV allows you to add up to five users to your account, each with their own profile and preferences. To add a user, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Settings” tab.
- Click on the “Users” tab.
- Click on the “Add user” button.
Exploring YouTube TV Features
Now that you’ve set up your YouTube TV account, let’s take a look at some of the features and options available.
Live TV
YouTube TV offers live TV streaming, which allows you to watch your favorite channels in real-time. To access live TV, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Live” tab.
- Browse through the available channels and click on the one you want to watch.
On-Demand Content
In addition to live TV, YouTube TV also offers access to YouTube’s vast library of on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, and original content. To access on-demand content, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “On Demand” tab.
- Browse through the available content and click on the one you want to watch.
Cloud DVR
YouTube TV’s cloud DVR allows you to record live TV and watch it later on any device. To access your recordings, follow these steps:
- Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com).
- Click on the “Library” tab.
- Click on the “Recordings” tab.
Devices Compatible with YouTube TV
YouTube TV is available on a range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (select models)
- Streaming devices (Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and more)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One)
To watch YouTube TV on your device, you’ll need to download the YouTube TV app and sign in with your Google account credentials.
Conclusion
Starting YouTube TV is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. With its affordable price, flexibility, and range of channels and features, YouTube TV is a great option for anyone looking for a live TV streaming service. Whether you’re a sports fan, a news junkie, or just looking for a way to access your favorite channels without the hassle of traditional cable TV, YouTube TV is definitely worth considering.
What is YouTube TV and how does it work?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, news, and entertainment. It works by allowing users to stream live TV content over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional cable or satellite TV. With YouTube TV, users can watch their favorite shows and channels on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
YouTube TV uses cloud-based technology to record and store content, allowing users to access their recordings from anywhere. The service also includes features such as unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing users to record as many shows as they want without running out of space. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons and premium channels, giving users the flexibility to customize their viewing experience.
What channels are available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels, including local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. The service also includes a range of sports and news channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, and MSNBC. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of entertainment channels, including AMC, Bravo, and E!.
YouTube TV also offers a range of add-on channels and premium networks, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz. These add-ons can be added to a user’s subscription for an additional fee, giving them access to even more content. The service is constantly updating its channel lineup, so users can expect to see new channels and networks added in the future.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
The cost of YouTube TV varies depending on the plan and add-ons chosen. The base plan, which includes access to over 85 channels, costs $64.99 per month. This plan includes features such as unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to stream on up to three devices at once.
Users can also add premium channels and networks to their subscription for an additional fee. For example, HBO costs $14.99 per month, while Showtime costs $10.99 per month. YouTube TV also offers a range of add-on packages, including a sports package and a Spanish-language package, which can be added to a user’s subscription for an additional fee.
What devices can I use to watch YouTube TV?
YouTube TV can be watched on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. The service is available on both Android and iOS devices, as well as on streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV. YouTube TV can also be watched on smart TVs from manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, and Vizio.
In addition to these devices, YouTube TV can also be watched on computers and laptops using the YouTube TV website. The service is optimized for a range of devices, ensuring that users can watch their favorite shows and channels in high quality, regardless of the device they use.
Can I record shows on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV allows users to record shows using its cloud-based DVR feature. This feature allows users to record as many shows as they want, without running out of space. Recorded shows can be accessed from anywhere, using the YouTube TV app or website.
YouTube TV’s DVR feature also includes a range of advanced features, such as the ability to pause and rewind live TV, as well as the ability to fast-forward through commercials. Users can also set up series recordings, which will automatically record new episodes of their favorite shows.
Can I share my YouTube TV account with others?
Yes, YouTube TV allows users to share their account with up to five other people. This feature, known as “family sharing,” allows users to create separate profiles for each family member, giving them access to their own personalized viewing experience.
Family sharing also includes features such as individual DVR storage, allowing each family member to record their own shows without affecting the others. Users can also set up parental controls, which allow them to restrict access to certain channels and content for younger family members.
How do I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?
Canceling a YouTube TV subscription is easy and can be done at any time. To cancel, users simply need to go to the YouTube TV website and sign in to their account. From there, they can click on the “Settings” icon and select “Membership” to access their subscription options.
Once in the subscription options, users can click on the “Cancel membership” button to cancel their subscription. Users will be asked to confirm that they want to cancel, and will be given the option to provide feedback on why they are canceling. Once the cancellation is complete, the user’s subscription will be terminated, and they will no longer be charged.