YouTube TV is a live television streaming service that gives you access to 100+ channels, an unlimited cloud DVR, and up to three simultaneous streams. It operates completely separately from regular YouTube and requires its own subscription. If you are considering cutting the cord from traditional cable or satellite, here is everything you need to know about getting started.

What Is YouTube TV?

YouTube TV is a cable replacement service, not a video-on-demand platform. It streams live television channels including major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox), cable news, sports (ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV), and entertainment channels. Content is available live, and anything you want to watch again can be recorded to your unlimited cloud DVR for up to nine months.

How to Sign Up and Claim the Free Trial

1. Go to tv.youtube.com or search ‘YouTube TV’ in the YouTube app.
2. Click or tap Start Trial.
3. Enter your postcode to verify the channels available in your area (availability varies by region).
4. Sign in with your Google account or create one.
5. Enter your payment details. You will not be charged until the free trial ends.

The free trial period is currently one week for most new subscribers. Some promotional offers extend this to two or three weeks. After the trial, the subscription renews monthly at the regular rate (approximately $72.99 per month in the US as of 2026, subject to change).

How to Record Shows on YouTube TV

YouTube TV’s DVR works differently from traditional cable DVR. Everything is stored in the cloud and there is no storage limit – you can record as much as you want.

1. Find the show or movie you want to record by searching or browsing the guide.
2. Click or tap the show’s title to open its page.
3. Tap the Add to library button (a plus icon).
4. YouTube TV will automatically record all future episodes of that show, as well as catch up on any recent episodes that aired.

To find your recordings, go to the Library tab. Recordings are saved for nine months from the air date.

How to Record a Single Episode vs an Entire Series

When you add something to your library, YouTube TV records all episodes by default. To record a single event (a live sports game, a one-off special), find it in the guide, tap it, and select Record rather than Add to library. This records only that specific broadcast.

How to Hide Channels You Never Watch

YouTube TV displays all available channels in the guide, which can make it harder to find the ones you actually care about. You can hide channels to clean up your guide.

1. Go to Settings in YouTube TV (click your profile picture, then Settings).
2. Select Live guide.
3. You will see a list of all channels. Toggle off any channel to hide it from your guide.

Hidden channels are still part of your subscription – they are just removed from view. You can re-enable any hidden channel at any time from the same settings menu.

Add-On Channels

YouTube TV offers optional add-on packages for additional cost, including sports packages (NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass), Spanish-language channels, and premium movie channels. These are purchased separately and appear alongside your base channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple people watch YouTube TV at the same time?

Yes. YouTube TV allows up to three simultaneous streams. All family members added to your plan (up to six) can each watch different content at the same time, as long as no more than three streams are active simultaneously.

Does YouTube TV work outside my home area?

Local network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) are only available when you are in your home area. Cable channels stream from anywhere. If you travel frequently, this is an important limitation to consider.

Can I cancel YouTube TV during the free trial?

Yes. Cancel any time before the trial ends and you will not be charged. Go to your account settings and select Cancel membership.