YouTube TV does not include Paramount Plus
YouTube TV and Paramount Plus are separate streaming services run by different companies. YouTube TV is owned by Google and focuses on live television channels, sports, and news. Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global and offers movies, TV shows, and live sports from its own library. Subscribing to one does not give you access to the other.
If you want both services, you need to pay for both subscriptions separately. YouTube TV costs one monthly fee, and Paramount Plus costs another. Some people bundle them together for convenience, but the services themselves remain independent.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV and Paramount Plus are owned by different companies and do not overlap in their subscriptions.
- You must pay for each service separately if you want to watch content from both.
- YouTube TV includes live channels like CBS, which airs some Paramount content, but this is not the same as having Paramount Plus.
- Some cable or internet providers bundle YouTube TV with other services, but Paramount Plus is rarely included in those bundles.
- Paramount Plus offers a free tier with ads and a paid tier without ads, while YouTube TV has one standard subscription option.
What YouTube TV actually includes
YouTube TV gives you access to live television channels, including CBS, which carries some Paramount programming. However, watching CBS on YouTube TV is not the same as having Paramount Plus. CBS broadcasts network shows and sports, but Paramount Plus has a much larger library of movies, exclusive series, and back catalog content that does not air on CBS.
YouTube TV also includes channels like Bravo, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, which are owned by Paramount Global. Again, this means you can watch some Paramount-owned content through these live channels, but you do not get the full Paramount Plus streaming library. The streaming service has thousands of titles that never appear on live television.
How Paramount Plus works separately
Paramount Plus is an on-demand streaming service, meaning you choose what to watch and when to watch it. You do not have to tune in at a specific time like you do with live television. The service includes movies, original series, reality shows, sports events, and a large back catalog of older TV shows.
Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported tier costs less per month but includes advertisements during shows and movies. The ad-free tier costs more but removes those interruptions. Both tiers give you access to the same content library.
Why these services stay separate
YouTube TV and Paramount Plus are owned by different corporate divisions. Google owns YouTube TV as part of its broader video platform business. Paramount Global owns Paramount Plus as part of its media and entertainment division. Each company wants to control its own subscription revenue and user data.
Bundling services together would mean sharing that revenue and user information, which companies typically avoid unless there is a strong business reason. The two services target slightly different audiences—YouTube TV appeals to people who want live sports and news, while Paramount Plus appeals to people who want on-demand movies and shows.
What to do if you want both services
If you want YouTube TV for live channels and Paramount Plus for on-demand content, you can subscribe to both. You will have two separate accounts and two separate monthly charges on your credit card or payment method.
Some internet or cable providers offer YouTube TV as part of a larger package, but Paramount Plus is rarely bundled with it. Check with your provider to see what streaming services they include. You may find that your internet plan or phone plan already includes a discount or free trial for one of these services.
Checking for bundle deals with other providers
While YouTube TV and Paramount Plus do not bundle together, other companies sometimes offer discounts if you subscribe to multiple services. For example, some phone carriers or internet providers may offer reduced rates on Paramount Plus if you are already a customer. These deals change frequently and vary by location and provider.
Before paying full price for Paramount Plus, contact your internet provider, phone carrier, or check the Paramount Plus website directly. They often advertise current promotions on their homepage. You may find a free trial period or a discounted first month, which can save you money while you decide whether the service is worth keeping.
Free and discounted ways to watch Paramount content
If you do not want to pay for Paramount Plus right now, you have other options. CBS, which is included in YouTube TV, broadcasts some Paramount shows and movies during prime time. You can also watch some Paramount Plus content through the Paramount Plus app itself—the free ad-supported tier lets you watch a limited selection of shows and movies without paying.
Paramount Plus frequently offers free trial periods, usually lasting one week to one month. If you sign up during a promotion, you can watch the service free for that period. This is a good way to explore the library and decide if it is worth the monthly cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I subscribe to YouTube TV, can I watch Paramount Plus shows?
Only if those shows air on CBS or other Paramount-owned live channels included in YouTube TV. The full Paramount Plus library is not included. You would need a separate Paramount Plus subscription to watch the complete catalog of movies and exclusive series.
Does Paramount Plus come free with any internet or phone plan?
Some carriers and internet providers offer Paramount Plus discounts or free trials as a promotional benefit, but this varies by location and changes over time. Contact your provider directly or check their website to see current offers. Not all providers include it.
Can I get a free trial of Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus does offer free trial periods, though the length and availability depend on current promotions. Check the Paramount Plus website or app to see if a trial is available in your area right now. Trials typically last from one week to one month.
Is the free ad-supported version of Paramount Plus the same as the paid version?
Both versions have access to the same content library, but the free tier includes advertisements during playback. The paid tier removes those ads. Some newer or exclusive content may only be available on the paid tier, so check what you want to watch before choosing.
What if I only want live sports—do I need both services?
YouTube TV includes live sports channels like ESPN, NFL Network, and regional sports networks. Paramount Plus also has some live sports, mainly NFL games and soccer. Depending on which sports you follow, you might only need one service, or you might need both. Check the schedules on each service to see which games are where.