YouTube TV does not include Paramount Plus in its standard package

YouTube TV's base subscription does not bundle Paramount Plus. You get live TV channels, cloud DVR storage, and on-demand content from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, but Paramount Plus is a separate streaming service you would need to pay for on its own.

However, YouTube TV does offer an add-on called Paramount Plus with Ads that you can layer onto your existing YouTube TV membership. This add-on costs extra per month and gives you access to Paramount Plus content through the YouTube TV interface, rather than switching to a different app.

The key difference: you are not getting Paramount Plus free or bundled. You are paying YouTube TV an additional monthly fee to access Paramount Plus alongside your live TV service. The exact price varies, so check your YouTube TV account settings to see the current cost in your region.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's standard plan does not include Paramount Plus, but you can add it as a paid add-on through your YouTube TV account.
  • The add-on is called Paramount Plus with Ads and costs extra each month beyond your YouTube TV subscription.
  • When you add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV, you access it within the YouTube TV app rather than downloading a separate Paramount Plus app.
  • You can cancel the Paramount Plus add-on at any time without affecting your YouTube TV service.

How to add Paramount Plus to YouTube TV

Open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the section labeled "Add-ons" or "Memberships"—the exact name depends on your device. You should see Paramount Plus with Ads listed as an option.

Select it, confirm the monthly price, and complete the purchase. Once approved, Paramount Plus content becomes available in the YouTube TV app when ready. You do not need to create a separate Paramount Plus account or log in elsewhere.

If you already have a standalone Paramount Plus subscription, adding it through YouTube TV creates a duplicate charge. Cancel your standalone subscription first if you want to avoid paying twice.

What you get with the YouTube TV add-on

The Paramount Plus add-on through YouTube TV gives you the same content as a standalone Paramount Plus with Ads subscription: movies, TV shows, live sports, and original series. You can watch on multiple devices as long as you are signed into your YouTube TV account.

The main limitation is the ads. Paramount Plus with Ads includes commercial breaks during playback. If you want ad-free viewing, you would need to upgrade to Paramount Plus Premium, which may or may not be available as a YouTube TV add-on depending on your region and current offerings.

Canceling the Paramount Plus add-on

You can remove Paramount Plus from your YouTube TV account at any time without penalty. Go back to your account settings, find the add-ons section, and select the option to cancel or remove Paramount Plus. Your YouTube TV service continues unaffected.

Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you retain access until that date. After cancellation, you lose access to Paramount Plus content through YouTube TV, though your live TV channels and other services remain active.

Alternatives if you do not want to use YouTube TV

If you do not have YouTube TV or prefer not to add Paramount Plus through it, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly as a standalone service. You would then use the Paramount Plus app on your device instead of accessing it through YouTube TV.

Some cable and satellite providers also offer Paramount Plus as an add-on or bundle, so if you have a traditional TV subscription, check whether your provider includes it. Prices and availability vary by provider.

Comparing costs: add-on versus standalone

The price of Paramount Plus with Ads through YouTube TV is usually the same as subscribing to Paramount Plus directly. However, bundling through YouTube TV can be convenient if you already use YouTube TV for live TV and want everything in one app and one bill.

If you watch a lot of Paramount Plus content and want to remove ads, the Premium tier (ad-free) may cost more than the with-Ads version. Check whether YouTube TV offers Premium as an add-on in your area, or whether you would need to subscribe to Premium separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount Plus on YouTube TV without paying extra?

No. YouTube TV's base subscription does not include Paramount Plus. You must add it as a paid add-on to access Paramount Plus content through YouTube TV.

Do I need a separate Paramount Plus account if I add it through YouTube TV?

No. When you add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV, your YouTube TV login gives you access to Paramount Plus content. You do not create or manage a separate Paramount Plus account.

What happens to my YouTube TV service if I cancel Paramount Plus?

Your YouTube TV service continues normally. Canceling the Paramount Plus add-on only removes access to Paramount Plus content—your live TV channels, DVR, and other YouTube TV features remain active.

Can I watch Paramount Plus on multiple devices with the YouTube TV add-on?

Yes, as long as you are signed into your YouTube TV account. The number of simultaneous streams depends on your YouTube TV plan, which typically allows multiple users to watch at the same time on different devices.

Is Paramount Plus with Ads the only option through YouTube TV?

Currently, YouTube TV offers Paramount Plus with Ads as the standard add-on. Paramount Plus Premium (ad-free) may be available as a separate add-on depending on your region, but check your account settings to confirm what is offered in your area.