Are you tired of traditional cable TV and looking for a more flexible and affordable way to watch your favorite shows? YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. But what do you need to have YouTube TV? In this article, we’ll break down the requirements and provide a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
What is YouTube TV?
Before we dive into the requirements, let’s take a brief look at what YouTube TV is and what it offers. YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that allows you to watch live TV, sports, and news from major broadcast and cable networks. It was launched in 2017 and has since become one of the most popular live TV streaming services in the US.
YouTube TV offers a range of features, including:
- Live TV: Watch live TV from major broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and more.
- Cloud DVR: Record your favorite shows and movies and store them in the cloud for up to 9 months.
- Multi-device support: Watch YouTube TV on multiple 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.
What Do I Need to Have YouTube TV?
To get started with YouTube TV, you’ll need a few things:
1. A Compatible Device
YouTube TV is available on a range of devices, including:
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (select models from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more)
- Streaming devices (Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and more)
- Gaming consoles (Xbox One and PlayStation 4)
Make sure your device is compatible with YouTube TV before signing up.
2. A High-Speed Internet Connection
YouTube TV requires a high-speed internet connection to stream live TV and on-demand content. The recommended internet speed is:
- 13 Mbps: For standard definition (SD) streaming
- 25 Mbps: For high definition (HD) streaming
- 50 Mbps: For 4K Ultra HD streaming
If you’re not sure what your internet speed is, you can check it using an online speed test tool.
3. A YouTube Account
You’ll need a YouTube account to sign up for YouTube TV. If you don’t have a YouTube account, you can create one for free.
4. A Payment Method
YouTube TV is a paid service, so you’ll need a payment method to sign up. You can use a credit or debit card, or a PayPal account.
How to Sign Up for YouTube TV
Signing up for YouTube TV is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Go to the YouTube TV Website
Go to the YouTube TV website (tv.youtube.com) and click on the “Try it free” button.
Step 2: Create a YouTube Account
If you don’t have a YouTube account, you’ll need to create one. Click on the “Create account” button and follow the prompts to create a new account.
Step 3: Enter Your Zip Code
Enter your zip code to see which channels are available in your area.
Step 4: Choose Your Plan
YouTube TV offers a range of plans, including a base plan and add-ons. Choose the plan that’s right for you.
Step 5: Add a Payment Method
Add a payment method to your account. You can use a credit or debit card, or a PayPal account.
Step 6: Start Watching
Once you’ve signed up and added a payment method, you can start watching YouTube TV. You can watch on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or streaming device.
YouTube TV Plans and Pricing
YouTube TV offers a range of plans and add-ons. Here’s a breakdown of the current plans and pricing:
| Plan | Price | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | $64.99/month | 85+ channels, including local networks, sports, and news |
| Add-ons | $10-$20/month | Additional channels, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz |
Conclusion
YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including local networks, sports, and news. To get started with YouTube TV, you’ll need a compatible device, a high-speed internet connection, a YouTube account, and a payment method. Signing up is easy, and you can start watching YouTube TV on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or streaming device. With a range of plans and add-ons available, YouTube TV is a great option for anyone looking for a flexible and affordable way to watch live TV.
What is YouTube TV and how does it work?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that allows users to watch their favorite TV shows, sports, and news on various devices. It works by providing access to a range of TV channels, including major broadcast networks, cable channels, and sports networks, through a monthly subscription. Users can sign up for the service on the YouTube TV website or through the YouTube TV app on their devices.
Once signed up, users can browse through the available channels, search for specific shows or sports teams, and create a personalized viewing experience. YouTube TV also offers features such as cloud DVR, which allows users to record and store their favorite shows for later viewing, and multi-device support, which enables users to watch on multiple devices at the same time.
What channels are available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels, including major broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. The service also includes sports networks like NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB.TV, and news channels like MSNBC and Fox News. Additionally, YouTube TV offers a range of add-on channels, such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz, which can be added to the subscription for an extra fee.
The availability of channels on YouTube TV may vary depending on the user’s location, as some channels may only be available in certain areas. However, YouTube TV provides a comprehensive channel lineup that caters to a wide range of interests and viewing preferences.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
The cost of YouTube TV varies depending on the subscription plan chosen. The base plan, which includes access to over 85 channels, costs $64.99 per month. There are also add-on channels available, which can be added to the subscription for an extra fee. For example, the HBO add-on costs $14.99 per month, while the Showtime add-on costs $10.99 per month.
In addition to the monthly subscription fee, YouTube TV also offers a range of promotions and discounts for new users. For example, new users can get a free trial period, which allows them to try out the service before committing to a paid subscription. There are also discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel.
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, and can be accessed through the YouTube TV app. YouTube TV is also compatible with a range of streaming devices, such as Google Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku.
In addition to mobile and streaming devices, YouTube TV can also be watched on smart TVs from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Vizio. The service is also available on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. This means that users can watch their favorite shows and sports on a range of devices, both at home and on the go.
Can I record shows on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV offers a cloud DVR feature that allows users to record their favorite shows and sports for later viewing. The cloud DVR feature is included in the base subscription plan, and allows users to record an unlimited number of shows and movies. Recorded content is stored in the cloud, and can be accessed on any device with an internet connection.
The cloud DVR feature on YouTube TV also includes features like pause and rewind, which allow users to control their viewing experience. Additionally, recorded content can be watched on multiple devices at the same time, making it easy to share with family and friends.
Is YouTube TV available in my area?
YouTube TV is available in many areas across the United States, but availability may vary depending on the user’s location. To check if YouTube TV is available in a specific area, users can enter their zip code on the YouTube TV website. This will provide information on the channels and features available in that area.
If YouTube TV is not available in a specific area, users may be able to access the service through a virtual private network (VPN) or by using a streaming device that is not tied to a specific location. However, it’s worth noting that using a VPN or other workarounds may be against the terms of service of YouTube TV.
How do I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?
Canceling a YouTube TV subscription is a straightforward process that can be done through the YouTube TV website or app. To cancel, users need to go to the settings menu and select the “Membership” option. From there, they can select the “Cancel membership” option and follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.
It’s worth noting that canceling a YouTube TV subscription will not delete the user’s YouTube account or affect their access to other YouTube features. Additionally, users can reactivate their subscription at any time by signing back in to their account and selecting the “Resume membership” option.