How to Sign Up for YouTube TV
Signing up for YouTube TV is straightforward, and there’s a free trial, so you can check it out before committing to a monthly charge. Here’s how to sign up for the free trial of YouTube TV.
YouTube TV Plans and Availability
YouTube TV packages are fairly straightforward. There is one base subscription package, and it includes more than 85 channels for $64.99 monthly. Add-on channels and packages are available for various prices (see below). Select Next: Checkout when done. When you sign up, you see a list of the channels included in the subscription. If you don’t see a certain channel, that means it either isn’t available in your area or isn’t included in the basic package. The most significant difference between YouTube TV and cable television is that it is less complicated in terms of subscription plans. The single YouTube TV subscription option comes with a selection of network and basic cable channels, and then you can pay extra for additional ones on an a la carte basis. YouTube TV is available in most major metropolitan areas in the United States. However, the availability of broadcast networks like Fox and ABC is limited based on geographical location. You can watch your favorite local channels on YouTube TV. However, those channels become unavailable if you travel outside the area.
How Many Shows Can You Watch at Once With YouTube TV?
Streaming services like YouTube TV limit the number of shows, or streams, that you can watch at the same time. Some services limit you to one show unless you pay for a subscription package. YouTube TV lets you stream to multiple devices at once. With the Base Plan, you’re limited to three streams per account. However, if you opt for the 4K Plus add-on, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous streaming over your home Wi-Fi.
What Internet Speed Is Required to Watch YouTube TV?
YouTube TV requires a high-speed internet connection, but the specifics are a little more complicated. For instance, a slower speed results in lower picture quality, and you may experience buffering where the stream stops for a while intermittently. According to YouTube, you need:
3+ Mbps for standard definition video.7+ Mbps to stream a single high definition show if no other devices are using the network.13+ Mbps to stream shows in high definition if other devices are using the same network.
YouTube TV Add-Ons and Special Features
Like other live television streaming services, YouTube TV offers many add-ons. Most add-ons are single channels, but there are also some packages. For example, the Entertainment Plus package combines HBO Max, STARZ, and SHOWTIME for an additional $29.99. This price is less expensive than adding these channels individually. There is also a 4K Plus subscription add-on for an additional $19.99 per month that brings 4K support, offline playback, and unlimited streams over your home Wi-Fi (normally capped at three streams per account). The 4K support will come mainly from content broadcast by ESPN, FOX Sports, FX, NBC Sports, and more. The offline playback feature allows users to download DVR recordings, though you’ll need the YouTube TV app to take advantage of this feature. You can go to your account and add additional channels and other add-ons to your subscription at any time. YouTube TV, unlike many of its competitors, doesn’t offer original content. YouTube does, however, and these shows are also available with YouTube Premium, a different subscription service that allows you to remove ads from YouTube videos. While all YouTube Premium original shows and movies are available on YouTube TV, signing up for YouTube TV differs from signing up for YouTube Premium. YouTube TV subscribers see ads on regular YouTube videos, YouTube Music videos, and YouTube Gaming videos.
How to Watch Live Television on YouTube TV
YouTube TV allows you to watch live television without a cable subscription or an antenna. It lets you do so on a computer, TV, phone, or other compatible devices. If you have a compatible smart TV, you can watch YouTube TV directly on your television. You can also cast to your TV from a mobile device if you have the right equipment. With that in mind, watching live television on YouTube TV is extremely easy: Since YouTube TV allows you to watch live television, expect to watch the same commercials you would see if you watched on broadcast or cable television. However, you can pause live television on YouTube TV, and there’s also a digital video recorder (DVR) feature. This feature is great for watching live sports, like streaming NFL games, since it allows you to pause and re-watch the action. YouTube TV also includes on-demand content.
