In today’s digital landscape, YouTube has become a household name, offering various services to cater to different entertainment needs. Among these services are YouTube TV and YouTube Premium, two distinct platforms that often cause confusion among users. While they share the YouTube brand, their features, purposes, and costs are separate. This article explores whether YouTube TV includes YouTube Premium, dives deep into its offerings, and helps you decide which service is best for you.
What Is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a live-streaming platform that replaces traditional cable or satellite TV. Launched in 2017, it provides access to live broadcasts from over 100 popular networks, including sports, news, and entertainment channels.
Key Features of YouTube TV
- Live TV Access:
YouTube TV offers a variety of live channels, such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and more. It provides access to local and national programming, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favorite shows or events. - Cloud DVR:
One of YouTube TV’s standout features is its unlimited cloud DVR storage. Subscribers can record live TV shows, movies, and sports events and store them for up to nine months without additional charges. - Multiple User Profiles:
Each subscription supports up to six profiles, allowing personalized recommendations, DVR libraries, and viewing histories for each household member. - No Long-Term Contracts:
Unlike traditional cable services, YouTube TV operates on a month-to-month subscription basis, with no hidden fees or cancellation penalties. - Pricing:
The standard YouTube TV subscription starts at $72.99 per month, though this may vary based on promotions or add-ons.
Who Should Choose YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is ideal for individuals or families looking for a cable-like experience without the hassle of equipment or long-term commitments. With its extensive channel lineup and user-friendly interface, it’s perfect for cord-cutters.
What Is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing the traditional YouTube experience. Formerly known as YouTube Red, it is a subscription-based service that eliminates ads, offers exclusive content, and provides access to YouTube Music Premium.
Key Features of YouTube Premium
- Ad-Free Experience:
One of the biggest draws of YouTube Premium is the ability to watch videos without interruptions. Whether you’re enjoying vlogs, tutorials, or documentaries, you won’t have to deal with ads breaking the flow. - Exclusive Content:
YouTube Premium subscribers gain access to YouTube Originals, a collection of exclusive shows and movies featuring popular creators and celebrities. - Background Play:
With YouTube Premium, videos continue to play in the background while you use other apps or lock your device. - Offline Downloads:
Subscribers can download videos and playlists to watch offline, a handy feature for those who frequently travel or face unreliable internet connections. - YouTube Music Premium:
The subscription also includes access to YouTube Music Premium, an ad-free music streaming service with millions of songs and playlists. - Pricing:
YouTube Premium starts at $11.99 per month, with family and student plans available at discounted rates.
Who Should Choose YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is perfect for individuals who spend significant time on YouTube and want an uninterrupted, immersive viewing experience. It’s also a great choice for music lovers who want ad-free streaming through YouTube Music Premium.
Does YouTube TV Include YouTube Premium?
The short answer is no—YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are separate services, and subscribing to one does not grant access to the other.
YouTube TV focuses on providing live TV and DVR functionality, while YouTube Premium enhances the traditional YouTube platform by eliminating ads and offering exclusive perks.
Why Are They Separate?
YouTube’s decision to keep these services separate stems from their distinct purposes:
- YouTube TV competes with traditional cable and other live TV streaming platforms.
- YouTube Premium caters to users who primarily consume content on YouTube and want to elevate their viewing experience.
As of now, YouTube does not offer a bundle that combines both services, so users must subscribe to each individually if they wish to enjoy the benefits of both.
Key Differences Between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium
| Feature | YouTube TV | YouTube Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Live TV streaming and DVR functionality | Ad-free YouTube experience |
| Content Offered | Live channels (sports, news, etc.) | YouTube videos and YouTube Originals |
| Ad-Free Viewing | No (only live TV) | Yes |
| Music Streaming | No | Included (YouTube Music Premium) |
| Offline Access | No | Yes |
| Price | $72.99/month | $11.99/month |
How to Decide Between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium
Your choice will largely depend on your entertainment preferences:
Opt for YouTube TV if:
- You want access to live TV channels for news, sports, or entertainment.
- You’re looking to replace your cable or satellite TV service.
- You need a family-friendly option with multiple user profiles.
Opt for YouTube Premium if:
- You primarily use YouTube for watching videos and want an ad-free experience.
- You enjoy exclusive content like YouTube Originals.
- You frequently listen to music and want access to YouTube Music Premium.
Can You Subscribe to Both?
Yes, you can subscribe to both services, but you’ll need to pay for them separately. Unfortunately, YouTube does not currently offer a bundled discount for users who want both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium.
How to Get Both:
- Visit the YouTube TV website or app to subscribe.
- Head to the YouTube Premium page and sign up.
- Use the same Google account for both subscriptions for seamless integration.
While subscribing to both services can be costly, it provides a comprehensive entertainment experience that combines live TV with ad-free YouTube streaming and exclusive content.
The Future of YouTube’s Services
As streaming platforms continue to evolve, it’s possible that YouTube may introduce bundles or new features to integrate its services further. For now, users must weigh the pros and cons of each service to determine which aligns better with their entertainment needs.
Conclusion
YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are two separate services designed to cater to different audiences. While YouTube TV is a robust live TV streaming platform, YouTube Premium enhances the traditional YouTube experience with ad-free viewing and exclusive perks.
Although YouTube TV does not include YouTube Premium, subscribing to both can provide a well-rounded entertainment solution for those who want the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a YouTube fan, or a cord-cutter, understanding the features and benefits of these services will help you make an informed decision.
