YouTube TV does not include Disney Plus as a standalone service, but you can add Disney Plus to your YouTube TV account for an extra monthly fee
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that carries broadcast channels, cable news, and sports. Disney Plus is a separate streaming service owned by Disney that focuses on movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. They are two different products with different content libraries and different costs.
If you want both services, you have two paths: pay for YouTube TV and Disney Plus separately, or add Disney Plus as an add-on channel through YouTube TV's interface. The add-on route costs less than subscribing to Disney Plus on its own, but only if you already have YouTube TV.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base package does not come with Disney Plus included, though you can add it as a paid add-on through the YouTube TV app.
- Adding Disney Plus through YouTube TV costs less per month than subscribing to Disney Plus directly, but you must already be a YouTube TV customer.
- YouTube TV includes live broadcast and cable channels; Disney Plus includes on-demand movies and series from Disney's studios and franchises.
- If you cancel YouTube TV, any Disney Plus add-on you purchased through it will also stop working.
How to add Disney Plus to YouTube TV
Open the YouTube TV app on any device where you are signed into your account. Go to the "Browse" tab, then select "Add-ons" or "Memberships" (the exact label varies by device). Scroll to find Disney Plus and select it. You will see the current monthly price and a confirmation screen. Complete the purchase, and Disney Plus will be available in your YouTube TV app when ready.
Once added, you can watch Disney Plus content directly from the YouTube TV app without logging into a separate Disney Plus account. Your billing appears on your YouTube TV bill, not as a separate charge. You can remove the add-on at any time, and it will stop at the end of your current billing cycle.
Price comparison: add-on versus standalone subscription
Disney Plus costs less when purchased as a YouTube TV add-on than when you buy it directly from Disney. The exact difference depends on which Disney Plus plan you choose (with ads or ad-free) and whether Disney is running a promotion. Check the price shown in the YouTube TV add-ons section before you buy, because it may differ from Disney's website.
If you do not have YouTube TV, buying Disney Plus directly from Disney's website or app is your only option. If you already pay for YouTube TV, the add-on route saves money each month. However, if you later cancel YouTube TV, you lose access to Disney Plus through that service and would need to subscribe to Disney Plus separately if you want to keep watching.
What content is on each service
YouTube TV carries live channels: ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, and dozens of cable channels depending on your location. You watch programs on their broadcast schedule, though YouTube TV records most shows so you can watch them later. Sports, news, and live events are the main draw.
Disney Plus carries movies and series you can watch whenever you want. The library includes Marvel films and shows, Star Wars content, Pixar movies, Disney animated films, National Geographic documentaries, and original series made for Disney Plus. There are no live channels or sports on Disney Plus.
What happens if you cancel YouTube TV
If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, any add-ons you purchased through YouTube TV — including Disney Plus — will also stop working. You will lose access to Disney Plus content at the same time your YouTube TV service ends, even if you paid for the add-on through the end of the month.
If you want to keep Disney Plus after canceling YouTube TV, you must subscribe to it directly through Disney's website or app before your YouTube TV service ends. There is no automatic transfer or discount for switching from the add-on to a standalone subscription.
Other streaming add-ons available through YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers add-ons beyond Disney Plus. Depending on your location, you may be able to add Paramount Plus, Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, Starz, Apple TV Plus, and others. Each add-on has its own price and can be removed independently. You can mix and match add-ons to build a package that fits your viewing habits.
The advantage of adding through YouTube TV is that all charges appear on one bill and you manage everything in one app. The disadvantage is that you are locked into YouTube TV's pricing for the add-on, and if you cancel YouTube TV, the add-ons go away too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Disney Plus on my phone if I add it through YouTube TV?
Yes. Open the YouTube TV app on your phone, and Disney Plus content will be available alongside your live TV channels. You can also read some Disney Plus shows and movies to watch offline, depending on the content and your device.
Do I need a separate Disney Plus password if I add it through YouTube TV?
No. You watch Disney Plus through your YouTube TV account and app. You do not create or log into a separate Disney Plus account. Your YouTube TV login is all you need.
Can I share my YouTube TV Disney Plus add-on with family members?
Yes, anyone who has access to your YouTube TV account can watch the Disney Plus content included with it. YouTube TV allows multiple user profiles on one account, and the Disney Plus add-on works across all of them.
Is Disney Plus cheaper if I buy it through YouTube TV or directly from Disney?
The YouTube TV add-on is usually cheaper, but prices change and vary by region. Check the price in the YouTube TV add-ons section to compare it with Disney's current pricing before you buy.
What if I only want Disney Plus and do not want YouTube TV?
You must buy Disney Plus directly from Disney's website, app, or through another provider that offers it as an add-on. YouTube TV's Disney Plus add-on is only available to YouTube TV subscribers.