YouTube TV: The Ultimate Guide to Live TV Streaming

YouTube TV is an online streaming service that allows you to watch live TV channels, sports, news, and more. It is a popular choice for those who want to cut the cord and still enjoy their favorite TV shows and events. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about YouTube TV, from how to sign up and activate your account to its channel lineup, pricing, and features.

I. Getting started with YouTube TV

Creating a YouTube TV account

To start using YouTube TV, you need to create an account. You can either sign up for a new account or use your existing Google account. Go to the YouTube TV website and click on the “Try it free” button. You will be asked to enter your zip code to confirm whether YouTube TV is available in your area. If it is, you can then create an account by providing your personal details and payment information.

Activating your YouTube TV account

After creating your account, you will need to activate it. YouTube TV will provide you with an activation code, which you can use to activate your account on your TV or streaming device. To do this, go to the YouTube TV website and click on your profile picture. Select “Settings” and then click on “Watch on TV.” Enter the activation code that appears on your TV or device, and your YouTube TV account will be activated.

Signing in to YouTube TV

Once your account is activated, you can sign in to YouTube TV on any device by entering your email address and password. You can also use your Google account to sign in if you used it to create your YouTube TV account.

Setting up YouTube TV on different devices

YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles. You can set up YouTube TV on any of these devices by downloading the YouTube TV app and signing in with your account credentials. If you’re not sure how to set up YouTube TV on your device, you can find detailed instructions on the YouTube TV website.

Troubleshooting common YouTube TV login issues

If you’re having trouble logging in to your YouTube TV account, there are a few common issues that you may encounter. One of the most common issues is forgetting your password. If this happens, you can reset your password by clicking on the “Forgot password” link on the YouTube TV login page. You will be asked to provide your email address, and YouTube TV will send you a link to reset your password.

Another issue that you may encounter is an error message when trying to log in. This could be caused by a variety of factors, including a poor internet connection, an outdated browser, or a problem with your device. To troubleshoot this issue, try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or restarting your device. If none of these steps work, you can contact YouTube TV customer service for further assistance.

II. YouTube TV Features

Channel Lineup: List of channels available on

YouTube TV YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels, including live sports, news, and entertainment channels. Some of the most popular channels on YouTube TV include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, HGTV, and Discovery Channel. You can view the full channel lineup on the YouTube TV website.

YouTube TV DVR: Record live TV and watch later

One of the most popular features of YouTube TV is its DVR functionality. With YouTube TV, you can record live TV shows and movies and watch them later. You can also fast-forward through commercials, pause and rewind live TV, and record an unlimited amount of content.

YouTube TV Guide: Browse channels and shows with ease

YouTube TV also features a user-friendly TV guide that makes it easy to browse channels and shows. The guide allows you to see what’s currently playing and what’s coming up next, and you can even filter the guide by channel, category, or time.

YouTube TV Mobile App: Watch TV on the go

YouTube TV offers a mobile app that allows you to watch TV on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides access to the full range of channels and features available on YouTube TV.

YouTube TV Outage: What to do when YouTube TV is down

Occasionally, YouTube TV may experience an outage or downtime, which can prevent you from accessing your account or watching live TV. If this happens, you can check the YouTube TV status page for updates on the outage and estimated time for resolution. You can also contact YouTube TV customer service for further assistance.

III. YouTube TV Pricing and Plans

YouTube TV Base Plan: Cost and channels

The base plan for YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month and includes over 85 channels. This includes popular channels such as ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, HGTV, and Discovery Channel. You can also add additional channels for an extra fee, such as HBO, Cinemax, or Showtime.

YouTube TV Add-Ons: HBO, Cinemax, and more

YouTube TV offers a range of add-ons that allow you to customize your channel lineup. For example, you can add HBO, Cinemax, or Showtime for an extra fee. You can also add sports packages or premium channels like STARZ or Epix.

YouTube TV Student Discount: Save on monthly subscription fees

If you’re a student, you can save on your YouTube TV subscription by signing up for a student discount. With the student discount, you can get YouTube TV for just $54.99 per month, which is $10 off the regular price.

YouTube TV Deals and Promo Codes: Find the latest discounts and promotions

YouTube TV often offers deals and promotions that allow you to save on your monthly subscription fees or get a free trial. You can check the YouTube TV website or sign up for their email newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest deals and promotions. Additionally, some third-party websites may offer promo codes that you can use to get a discount on your YouTube TV subscription.

YouTube TV Free Trial: Try before you buy

If you’re not sure if YouTube TV is right for you, you can take advantage of their free trial offer. The free trial lasts for seven days and gives you access to all the features and channels available on YouTube TV. If you decide to cancel your subscription during the free trial period, you won’t be charged anything.

YouTube TV Refund Policy: Can you get your money back?

YouTube TV offers a refund policy for new subscribers who cancel within the first 30 days of their subscription. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you will receive a full refund for your subscription fee. After 30 days, however, you will not be eligible for a refund.

IV. YouTube TV vs. Other Streaming Services

YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live: Which is better?

Hulu Live and YouTube TV are two of the most popular live TV streaming services on the market. Both services offer a similar range of channels and features, but there are some key differences to consider. For example, Hulu Live offers a larger selection of on-demand content, while YouTube TV has better DVR functionality.

YouTube TV vs. Sling: Which is right for you?

Sling TV is another popular live TV streaming service that offers a more affordable alternative to YouTube TV. Sling offers two base plans that start at $35 per month, but the channel selection is more limited than YouTube TV. Additionally, Sling’s DVR functionality is more limited than YouTube TV.

YouTube TV vs. DirecTV Stream: Which is worth the price?

DirecTV Stream is a more expensive live TV streaming service that offers a wider range of channels than YouTube TV. However, the service can be more expensive than YouTube TV, with plans starting at $69.99 per month. Additionally, DirecTV Stream’s DVR functionality is more limited than YouTube TV.

YouTube TV vs. FuboTV: Which has the best channel selection?

FuboTV is another live TV streaming service that offers a similar range of channels to YouTube TV. However, FuboTV has a stronger focus on sports channels, making it a better choice for sports fans. Additionally, FuboTV’s base plan is slightly more expensive than YouTube TV, starting at $64.99 per month.

V. Is YouTube TV Worth It?

Whether or not YouTube TV is worth it depends on your personal preferences and viewing habits. If you’re a fan of live TV and want a wide selection of channels and features, YouTube TV is a great choice. However, if you primarily watch on-demand content or are on a budget, there may be better alternatives.

Overall, YouTube TV is a high-quality live TV streaming service that offers a great selection of channels and features. With its DVR functionality, user-friendly guide, and mobile app, YouTube TV is a great choice for anyone looking to cut the cord and stream live TV. Whether you’re a sports fan, news junkie, or entertainment buff, YouTube TV has something for everyone.

VI. Final thoughts and recommendations, Buy it or Not?

In conclusion, YouTube TV is a powerful live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels and features for its subscribers. With its easy-to-use interface, comprehensive channel lineup, and generous DVR capabilities, YouTube TV is a top contender for anyone looking to cut the cord and stream live TV.

From the flexibility to watch on multiple devices to the option of using the service without any long-term commitments, YouTube TV provides a highly customizable experience for its users. Although its price may be on the higher side compared to other streaming services, it offers a robust experience that can be worth the investment.

With the ability to try it out with a free trial and promotional codes that may be available, it is worth considering if it is right for you. In addition, it is important to compare YouTube TV to other streaming services to make sure it is the best choice for your needs.

With its growing popularity, it is likely that YouTube TV will continue to add new features and channels in the future, making it an even more attractive option for cord-cutters. Whether you are looking for a reliable way to watch live TV, or simply want to explore new streaming options, YouTube TV is a great choice to consider.

Overall, YouTube TV is a premium streaming service that provides a unique way to access live TV without the traditional cable subscription. With its numerous features, high-quality channels, and customizable user experience, it is easy to see why so many people are choosing YouTube TV over other streaming services.

So, whether you are interested in keeping up with your favorite shows, staying up-to-date on the latest news, or simply exploring new programming options, YouTube TV is a powerful streaming service that can help you do just that.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a live TV streaming service that offers a wide variety of channels, great features, and ease of use, YouTube TV is a strong contender that should be considered.