Does YouTube TV Subscription Include YouTube Premium Perks?
No, a YouTube TV subscription does not automatically give you YouTube Premium. However, there are ways to access some of the same benefits, and it’s essential to understand the differences to make the best choice for your viewing needs.
Understanding the YouTube Landscape: A Breakdown
YouTube’s streaming ecosystem can be a bit confusing at first glance. It’s helpful to distinguish between the free YouTube platform, YouTube TV, and YouTube Premium, as each offers distinct features and subscription models.
YouTube is the free platform that everyone can access, filled with user-generated content, music videos, and more. This version includes advertisements.
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service, offering access to a wide range of network channels, similar to cable or satellite television, but delivered over the internet. It’s a separate service from the standard YouTube platform and its ad-free counterpart, YouTube Premium.
YouTube Premium provides an enhanced experience on the regular YouTube platform, offering ad-free viewing, background playback on mobile devices, and access to YouTube Music Premium. This does not include access to live TV channels.
What YouTube TV Does Offer
YouTube TV delivers a comprehensive streaming experience focused on traditional television viewing. Its core benefits include:
- Live TV Streaming: Access to major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, as well as cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and MSNBC.
- Cloud DVR: Unlimited DVR storage space for recording your favorite shows, meaning you don’t have to choose which shows to record.
- Simultaneous Streams: Watch on multiple devices at the same time, catering to different family members’ preferences.
- On-Demand Content: Access to on-demand shows and movies from various networks.
- Family Sharing: Share your subscription with family members residing in the same household.
These features make YouTube TV a strong contender for cord-cutters looking to replace traditional cable or satellite subscriptions.
The Key Difference: Ad-Free Viewing and YouTube Music Premium
The primary difference between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium lies in the scope of their benefits. While YouTube TV removes ads during live TV programming and some on-demand content within the YouTube TV app, it doesn’t extend this ad-free experience to the regular YouTube platform. You’ll still encounter ads when watching videos on the regular YouTube app if you only subscribe to YouTube TV.
YouTube Premium’s key advantage is ad-free viewing across the entire YouTube platform, including the YouTube Music app. It also enables background playback and offline downloads for mobile devices.
Bridging the Gap: Bundling and Additional Options
While a direct bundle is not available, there are still ways to get the best of both worlds.
- Subscribe to Both: The most straightforward approach is to subscribe to both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium separately. This will give you the full spectrum of features, including live TV, unlimited DVR, and ad-free viewing on all YouTube platforms.
- Family Plans: Both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium offer family plans. Subscribing to the YouTube Premium family plan allows you to share the benefits with up to five other family members, reducing the per-person cost. This can be a cost effective way to get YouTube Premium for yourself and your household.
Does YouTube TV Give You YouTube Premium? Evaluating the Cost-Benefit
Whether or not subscribing to both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium is worthwhile depends on your individual viewing habits. If you primarily watch live TV and only occasionally browse the regular YouTube platform, YouTube TV alone might suffice. However, if you spend a significant amount of time watching videos on YouTube, listening to YouTube Music, or value ad-free viewing across all YouTube platforms, then subscribing to both services could be a worthwhile investment.
| Feature | YouTube TV | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV | Yes | No |
| Cloud DVR | Yes (Unlimited) | No |
| Ad-Free Live TV | Yes (within YouTube TV app) | No |
| Ad-Free YouTube | No | Yes |
| Background Playback | No | Yes (Mobile Devices) |
| YouTube Music Premium | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly do I get with YouTube TV?
With YouTube TV, you gain access to live TV streaming from major broadcast and cable networks, an unlimited DVR for recording shows, the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously, access to on-demand content, and the option to share your subscription with family members. It’s a complete cable replacement service.
If I have YouTube TV, will I still see ads on YouTube videos outside of the YouTube TV app?
Yes, even with a YouTube TV subscription, you will still encounter advertisements when watching videos on the regular YouTube platform or the YouTube Music app. YouTube TV only removes ads within its own ecosystem.
Can I watch YouTube Originals on YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube Originals are available on YouTube TV, and depending on the specific original, they may be ad-free for YouTube TV subscribers. However, this doesn’t extend to all YouTube Originals viewed on the regular YouTube platform.
Does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV?
No, YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV. They are separate services with different focuses and functionalities. YouTube Premium enhances the regular YouTube experience, while YouTube TV focuses on live TV streaming.
Is it possible to get a discount if I subscribe to both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium?
Currently, YouTube doesn’t offer a direct discount for subscribing to both services together. The best way to potentially save money is to utilize family plans for both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium.
Can I download videos for offline viewing with YouTube TV?
No, YouTube TV doesn’t offer the option to download videos for offline viewing. The DVR functionality allows you to record programs for later viewing within the YouTube TV app, but you’ll need an internet connection to access them.
Does YouTube TV offer 4K streaming?
Yes, YouTube TV offers 4K streaming for certain content with the 4K Plus add-on. This enhances the viewing experience for compatible devices and content.
How many devices can stream YouTube TV at the same time?
With YouTube TV, you can stream on three devices simultaneously. This allows multiple family members to watch different programs at the same time.
Can I pause my YouTube TV subscription?
Yes, YouTube TV allows you to pause your subscription for a specific period. This can be useful if you’re going on vacation or don’t plan to use the service for a while.
How do I cancel my YouTube TV subscription?
You can easily cancel your YouTube TV subscription through your Google account settings. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Does YouTube TV include local channels?
Yes, YouTube TV typically includes access to local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, depending on your location. Channel availability varies by market.
Are there any other add-ons available for YouTube TV?
Yes, YouTube TV offers several add-ons, including the 4K Plus add-on, Sports Plus add-on, and Entertainment Plus add-on. These provide access to additional channels and features to enhance your streaming experience.