What Is YouTube TV and How Does It Work?

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service — no cable box needed. Watch local channels, sports, and cable networks over the internet for a flat monthly fee.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Check which channels are available in your area
2.Set up YouTube TV on your devices
3.Use the unlimited DVR to record shows
4.Compare costs with your current cable or satellite bill

Check which channels are available in your area

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Local channel availability on YouTube TV depends on your location — specifically your zip code. Go to tv.youtube.com and click "Check availability" before subscribing. Enter your zip code to confirm your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates are included. Most major US cities have full local channel coverage. Sports coverage also varies — some regional sports networks (RSNs) are not included.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: YouTube TV offers a trial period for new subscribers. Use that time to verify all the channels you watch regularly are available in your area before committing to a paid subscription.

Set up YouTube TV on your devices

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Sign up at tv.youtube.com using a Google account. Then download the YouTube TV app on your TV (most smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast support it), phone, or tablet. Sign in with the same Google account. You can watch live TV immediately after sign-up. Use the guide (a channel listing like a traditional TV guide) to browse what is on right now, or search for specific shows.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: The YouTube TV app looks different from the regular YouTube app. Make sure you're opening YouTube TV specifically — it has a blue "TV" logo.

Use the unlimited DVR to record shows

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One of YouTube TV's best features is its unlimited cloud DVR — you can record as many shows as you want and they are saved for 9 months. To record: find any show in the guide or search for it, click the "Add to Library" button (a + icon). YouTube TV will record every episode of that show going forward. To watch recordings, click "Library" in the navigation bar.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Unlike a traditional DVR box, YouTube TV's recordings are saved online — so you can watch them from any device anywhere, not just from your home TV.

Compare costs with your current cable or satellite bill

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YouTube TV at $72.99/month can be more or less expensive than cable depending on your current plan and what you actually watch. Calculate: your current cable bill minus any equipment rental, DVR fees, and service charges. If cable costs $120+/month and you mostly watch the channels YouTube TV includes, switching can save $40-60/month. However, some cable packages include internet service — if you switch from cable TV, confirm you still have internet service from a separate provider.

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YouTube TV is not the same as YouTube. While regular YouTube is a free video platform where anyone can post videos, YouTube TV is a paid live television service that streams the same channels you would normally get through cable or satellite — ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, MSNBC, ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, and more.

YouTube TV costs around $72.99 per month and includes over 100 channels, unlimited cloud DVR recording (no storage limit), and up to 3 simultaneous streams so multiple people can watch different channels at the same time. Unlike cable, there is no equipment to rent and no installation appointment — you watch on any TV, phone, tablet, or computer.

Many people switch to YouTube TV (or a similar service like Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, or FuboTV) to cut their cable bill. This guide explains what YouTube TV is and whether it might be right for you.

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