Thinking of watching a video? Well, the go-to platform for that is YouTube and now, it has come up with a specific section from streaming known as YouTube TV. It is Google’s Live TV Streaming service which is gaining much popularity in the market. It is a perfect fit for people who just want to cut the chord, ditch their satellite subscription, and go for an all-in-one option that is more convenient and does not require a different installation.
YouTube TV is currently competing with other streaming television services like DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, FuboTV, and Hulu With Live TV. However, its unique features make it stand out and more appealing to the online viewers. As a result, it has become the No. 1 service in the USA based on the number of paid subscribers. The platform has currently more than 5 million subscribers, according to a report in June 2022. It showed a huge hike of 2 million subscribers after its last update in October 2020.
There are a handful of reasons behind YouTube TV’s sky-high popularity such as the user-friendly interface. In a competitive market, YouTube TV offers quite affordable packages and the platform is compatible with all kinds of devices. Google has been aggressively marketing YouTube TV and now the time has come to enjoy its complete benefits along with an exceptional user experience. YouTube TV now is home to NFL Sunday Ticket which is a big deal for most sports lovers. Let’s take a better view of the features and plans available on YouTube TV.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service in the USA, a potential substitute for traditional cable and satellite services. The platform is compatible with phones, tablets, TVs, and web browsers, and users can enjoy its services at any place and at any time. A stable internet connection and you are good to go! Though it was restricted to only a few regions in the USA when it was launched back in 2017, by 2019, it had expanded its network with the support of 210 markets. The platform offers more than 110 channels, including the top national broadcasters namely ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. However, there is a distinctive line between YouTube and YouTube TV as both platforms come with different features and purposes.
YouTube TV Pricing System
With the last price increase in March 2023, it takes around $73 per month for YouTube TV Subscription, and along with taxes; it is nearly $77 a month. However, that is not all you pay to YouTube as there are optional add-on offers that can offer you more sports, movies, and shows to watch. One of the biggest benefits is that you can watch sports and some selected shows in 4K quality as well.
There are also optional add-on offers on YouTube TV such as 4K Plus, Spanish Plus, Sports Plus, NBA League Pass, Entertainment Plus and the list goes on. There are also viewer-based packages for HBO Max, Cinemax, CuriosityStream, AMC+, Starz, Fandor and the list goes on. These add-on packages are specially designed; catering to the preferences of each viewer. While some users will enjoy sports channels more, other users can look for an exceptional movie experience. Keeping that in mind, YouTube TV has come up with this innovative idea of add-on packages where users are able to choose from numerous options based on their interests. The add-on packages cost around $2 to $12 which is very convenient for all.
Also Read: History of YouTube – how it all started and its continuous rise
Features of YouTube TV
One of the reasons why YouTube TV is gaining much popularity among viewers is the features that this platform consists of. The features are cleverly designed to allow users to enjoy their favorite shows exactly when they want to. YouTube TV also has the ability to harness the power of Google Assistant. There are many other features that make this streaming platform one of the best choice among the competitors.
1. Unlimited Recording
“Cloud DVR” is one of the best features that YouTube TV provides for recording. While recording is not a thing for such streaming platforms, YouTube TV makes a difference with options for Unlimited Recording on the cloud for free. Other platforms that offer such services usually ask for an additional fee for cloud storage. However, Google has more than enough storage, and now, users can take complete advantage of it. Its smart recording option allows recording shows, movies, live sports, and other stuff and by default, it can record 30 minutes or more. Since it is a live recording, you can skip the commercials in between.
2. Multiple Users and Devices
The platform comes with flexible viewing options where up to three devices can be connected to a single account. The subscription of 4K Plus add-on offers unlimited streaming. YouTube TV allows up to six user profiles on a single account.
3. On-Demand Watch
You can also watch on-demand shows that are currently trending in the market. It is a great way to catch up with an old show or episode but you would not be able to skip the commercials.
4. Voice Control
If you own a Google Home Speaker, you can use the voice control features to watch or record specific shows. Playback options like pause, resume, and rewind can be also used with the help of a Chromecast device.
5. Options for Multiview
This multi-view feature is going to blow the minds of sports fanatics as they can select up to four sports channels and watch them all together; simultaneously through one TV screen.
How to Cancel Subscription on YouTube TV?
Just like any other online streaming service; canceling a subscription to YouTube TV is quite easy. Firstly, you have to go to your YouTube TV account at tv.youtube.com. Click on ‘Settings’ and you will find an option called ‘Membership’. From there, you will find an option called ‘Manage’ where you can proceed with ‘Cancel Membership’. However, that does not immediately shut you down from enjoying the subscription as it continues to give you access until the end of the billion period. After 21 days without payment in your account, it is finally deactivated and you will not find any recorded program as well.
