YouTube TV does not include Paramount+ as part of its base package
YouTube TV's standard subscription covers live TV channels and on-demand content from networks like ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS, but Paramount+ is a separate streaming service owned by Paramount Global. You cannot watch Paramount+ shows through YouTube TV unless you add Paramount+ as an extra channel within the YouTube TV app.
The distinction matters because YouTube TV is a live TV service, while Paramount+ is a standalone streaming platform. They operate independently, though YouTube TV does offer a way to bundle them together for convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ is available as an add-on channel within YouTube TV, but it costs extra beyond your base YouTube TV subscription.
- YouTube TV's base package includes CBS, which carries some Paramount content like NFL games and reality shows, but not the full Paramount+ library.
- Adding Paramount+ through YouTube TV costs the same as subscribing to Paramount+ directly, so there is no price advantage to bundling.
- You can manage the Paramount+ add-on from your YouTube TV account settings and cancel it anytime without affecting your YouTube TV service.
How to add Paramount+ to YouTube TV
If you have an active YouTube TV subscription, you can add Paramount+ directly through the YouTube TV app or website. Open your account, go to Settings, select Memberships, and look for the option to add premium channels. Paramount+ will appear in that list.
Once you add it, Paramount+ content becomes available in the YouTube TV app alongside your live channels. You do not need a separate Paramount+ account or app—everything streams through YouTube TV. The add-on typically costs $5.99 per month for the ad-supported version or $11.99 per month for ad-free, though pricing can vary by region and promotional offers.
You can also subscribe to Paramount+ independently through the Paramount+ app or website if you prefer not to use YouTube TV. That subscription works the same way and gives you access to the full Paramount+ library on any device.
What Paramount content is on YouTube TV without the add-on
YouTube TV includes CBS as part of its base package, which means you can watch live CBS broadcasts and some on-demand CBS content. CBS carries NFL games, reality competition shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race, and other Paramount-owned programming during their original air times.
However, CBS on YouTube TV is not the same as Paramount+. You will not see Paramount+ originals like Halo, Yellowstone prequels, or Star Trek series. You also will not have access to the full back catalog of movies and shows that Paramount+ offers. The CBS feed is limited to what airs on the live channel plus a small selection of on-demand episodes.
Comparing YouTube TV to other ways to watch Paramount+
You have three main routes to Paramount+: subscribe through YouTube TV, subscribe directly through Paramount+, or watch through another streaming bundle. The cost is the same whether you add it to YouTube TV or subscribe separately—around $5.99 to $11.99 per month depending on the ad tier you choose.
The advantage of adding it through YouTube TV is convenience: everything lives in one app, and your billing is consolidated. The disadvantage is that you are tied to YouTube TV's interface and cannot use the standalone Paramount+ app unless you also subscribe separately.
Some cable and satellite providers also offer Paramount+ as an add-on or included benefit, so if you have a TV subscription through another company, check whether Paramount+ is already part of your package before paying extra.
Managing your Paramount+ add-on
You can pause or cancel the Paramount+ add-on from YouTube TV anytime without affecting your base YouTube TV subscription. Go to Settings, select Memberships, find Paramount+, and choose to pause or remove it. The change takes effect when ready, and you will lose access to Paramount+ content right away.
If you pause the add-on and later want to reactivate it, you can turn it back on the same way. YouTube TV will not charge you during the pause period. Keep in mind that pausing Paramount+ through YouTube TV does not pause a separate Paramount+ subscription if you have one—you would need to manage those accounts independently.
Troubleshooting Paramount+ on YouTube TV
If you added Paramount+ but cannot see it in the YouTube TV app, try signing out and signing back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to display the new add-on. Make sure you are using the latest version of the YouTube TV app, as older versions may not show recently added channels.
If Paramount+ content is not playing, check your internet connection and restart the app. If the problem persists, contact YouTube TV support through the app's Help section. They can confirm whether the add-on is active on your account and troubleshoot playback issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount+ on YouTube TV without paying extra?
No. Paramount+ is only available as a paid add-on to YouTube TV. Your base YouTube TV subscription includes CBS, which carries some Paramount-owned shows, but the full Paramount+ library requires the add-on.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch Paramount+?
No. You can subscribe to Paramount+ directly through the Paramount+ app or website without YouTube TV. The cost and content are identical—the only difference is where you watch it and how you pay.
If I cancel YouTube TV, do I lose Paramount+?
If you added Paramount+ through YouTube TV, canceling YouTube TV will also cancel the Paramount+ add-on. If you subscribed to Paramount+ separately, it will remain active. You can switch to a standalone Paramount+ subscription before you cancel YouTube TV to keep your access.
Can I use the Paramount+ app if I add it through YouTube TV?
Not automatically. Adding Paramount+ through YouTube TV only gives you access within the YouTube TV app. To use the standalone Paramount+ app, you would need to subscribe to Paramount+ separately.
Is there a discount for bundling Paramount+ with YouTube TV?
No. The price of Paramount+ through YouTube TV is the same as subscribing directly. YouTube TV does not offer a bundle discount for adding premium channels.