Paramount+ is not included with YouTube TV's standard plans

YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount+ with any of its subscription tiers. If you want to watch Paramount+ content—shows like Yellowstone, 1883, The Offer, and movies from the Paramount film library—you need a separate Paramount+ subscription on top of your YouTube TV bill.

YouTube TV includes live TV channels and on-demand content from networks like NBC, ABC, Fox, and others, but Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service owned by Paramount Global. The two services operate independently, so you pay for each one separately.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV does not include Paramount+ access in any of its subscription plans.
  • Paramount+ costs between $5.99 per month (with ads) and $11.99 per month (ad-free), depending on which plan you choose.
  • Some Paramount+ content is available on the Paramount channel within YouTube TV, but the full Paramount+ library requires a separate subscription.
  • You can sign up for Paramount+ directly through the Paramount website or through third-party platforms like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels.

What YouTube TV actually includes

YouTube TV is a live television service that gives you access to broadcast networks, cable channels, and some on-demand content. Your subscription covers channels like CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and dozens of others depending on your location. You also get cloud DVR storage to record shows and watch them later.

The service does include a Paramount channel, which carries some Paramount content like Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight. However, this is not the same as Paramount+. The Paramount channel on YouTube TV shows a limited selection compared to the full Paramount+ streaming service, which has thousands of titles.

How much Paramount+ costs separately

Paramount+ offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month and includes most of the service's content with occasional commercials. The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month and removes ads from most shows and movies (some live sports may still include ads).

If you sign up through a third-party platform like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels, the price may be slightly different. Apple charges $5.99 or $11.99 depending on the plan, and Amazon Prime Video Channels charges the same rates. The advantage of signing up through these platforms is that the charge appears on one bill instead of requiring a separate account.

Where to find Paramount content on YouTube TV

If you have YouTube TV but not Paramount+, you can still watch some Paramount content through the Paramount channel that comes with your subscription. This channel carries select shows and movies from the Paramount library, though the selection is much smaller than what Paramount+ offers.

To find it, open YouTube TV and search for "Paramount" or browse the channel guide. The Paramount channel is available in most YouTube TV markets. However, if you want access to the full Paramount+ catalog—including exclusive series, movies, and live sports like NFL games and Champions League soccer—you will need to subscribe to Paramount+ separately.

How to add Paramount+ to your streaming setup

You have three main ways to subscribe to Paramount+. The first is to sign up directly at paramountplus.com. You create an account, choose your plan (ad-supported or ad-free), and start watching when ready. You can watch on any device that supports the Paramount+ app, including phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

The second option is to add Paramount+ through Apple TV Channels if you use an Apple device. Open the Apple TV app, go to Channels, search for Paramount+, and subscribe. The charge will appear on your Apple ID bill.

The third option is Amazon Prime Video Channels. If you have a Prime Video account, you can add Paramount+ as a channel. Open Prime Video, go to the Channels section, find Paramount+, and subscribe. The cost appears on your Amazon bill alongside your Prime membership.

Bundling options that include Paramount+

While YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount+, some other services do. Paramount+ itself offers a bundle with Showtime for $19.99 per month (ad-free) or $11.99 per month (with ads). This gives you access to both services in one subscription.

Additionally, if you have a Walmart+ membership, you get Paramount+ (ad-supported) included at no extra cost. Walmart+ costs $98 per year or $12.98 per month and also includes free shipping on Walmart orders and other benefits. This can be a good option if you already use Walmart+ for shopping.

Some cable and internet providers also bundle Paramount+ with their packages, though this varies by provider and location. Check with your provider to see if they offer it.

Comparing YouTube TV to other live TV services

If you are deciding whether YouTube TV is right for you, it helps to know how it compares to other live TV services on streaming. Hulu + Live TV includes access to the regular Hulu streaming service (with ads) as part of the package, but does not include Hulu Premium or Disney+. Sling TV does not bundle any premium streaming services. FuboTV does not include Paramount+ either.

None of the major live TV streaming services bundle Paramount+ as of now. If Paramount+ is important to you, you will need to budget for it as a separate subscription regardless of which live TV service you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount movies on YouTube TV without Paramount+?

Some Paramount movies appear on the Paramount channel included with YouTube TV, but the selection is limited. For access to the full Paramount film library, you need Paramount+. The Paramount channel on YouTube TV focuses mainly on TV series rather than movies.

Does YouTube TV offer a discount if I add Paramount+?

No. YouTube TV and Paramount+ are separate services with separate billing. There is no bundle discount or promotional rate that combines them. You pay the full price for each subscription.

Can I watch live sports on Paramount+ if I have YouTube TV?

YouTube TV includes live sports through ESPN, Fox Sports, and other sports channels. Paramount+ offers live NFL games, Champions League soccer, and other sports, but only if you have a Paramount+ subscription. The two services carry different sports, so you may want both if you follow multiple sports.

What happens if I cancel YouTube TV but keep Paramount+?

Your Paramount+ subscription continues independently. Canceling YouTube TV does not affect Paramount+ at all. You can use Paramount+ on its own without any live TV service.

Is there a free trial for Paramount+?

Paramount+ occasionally offers free trial periods, but these vary by promotion and by how you sign up. Check paramountplus.com directly for current trial offers. Trials are typically seven days, though this changes depending on current promotions.