Paramount Plus is not included in YouTube TV's standard package

YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount Plus into its base subscription. YouTube TV carries live TV channels and on-demand content from networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, but Paramount Plus — the standalone streaming service owned by Paramount Global — is separate. If you want both services, you pay for them independently.

This matters because YouTube TV's channel lineup includes CBS, which broadcasts some Paramount content like NFL games and reality shows. But Paramount Plus itself, which holds exclusive series like Yellowstone, 1883, The Offer, and Star Trek: Discovery, requires its own subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV does not offer Paramount Plus as an add-on or included service in any of its subscription tiers.
  • YouTube TV does carry CBS, which broadcasts some live Paramount content, but this is not the same as having Paramount Plus.
  • You can watch Paramount Plus on the same device you use for YouTube TV, but you need separate logins and separate subscriptions.
  • Paramount Plus costs between $5.99 per month (with ads) and $11.99 per month (ad-free), depending on the plan you choose.

What YouTube TV includes instead

YouTube TV's base plan includes over 100 live channels, including CBS. If you watch CBS programming live — such as The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, or NFL games on Sunday — you get that through YouTube TV without paying extra.

YouTube TV also offers cloud DVR storage, so you can record CBS broadcasts and watch them later. However, this does not give you access to Paramount Plus's exclusive library. The two services operate separately, even though they are owned by the same parent company.

How to get both services together

You can subscribe to Paramount Plus and YouTube TV at the same time and watch both on the same device. read the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer, and log in with your Paramount Plus account. Then open the YouTube TV app and log in separately. Both apps will work on the same device without interfering with each other.

If you use a smart TV, both apps are usually available in your TV's app store. If you use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick, both apps are available there as well. On a computer or phone, you can switch between the apps or use a web browser for either service.

Paramount Plus pricing and what it includes

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The ad-supported plan costs $5.99 per month and includes most of the service's content with commercials. The ad-free plan costs $11.99 per month and removes ads from most shows and movies, though some content may still have ads due to licensing restrictions.

Both plans include the same library: original series, movies, live sports (including NFL games on Thursday nights), and back catalogs from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central. The difference is only whether you see advertisements during playback.

Why Paramount Plus stays separate from YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV service designed to replace cable. It focuses on broadcast and cable channels you watch in real time. Paramount Plus is a streaming library service, more similar to Netflix or Disney Plus. The two serve different purposes, and Paramount Global keeps them separate to charge for each one independently.

Some streaming services do bundle their offerings — for example, Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus can be purchased together as a bundle. Paramount has not chosen to do this with YouTube TV, so there is no discount for subscribing to both.

Alternatives if you want live TV and streaming together

If you want a service that combines live TV with streaming content, other options exist. Hulu with Live TV includes access to Hulu's on-demand library as part of the same subscription. YouTube TV does not work this way — it is live TV only, with limited on-demand content from the channels it carries.

If your main goal is to watch Paramount Plus content, you do not need YouTube TV at all. Paramount Plus works as a standalone subscription on any device. You would only need YouTube TV if you also want live broadcast and cable channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Paramount Plus to my YouTube TV account?

No. YouTube TV does not offer Paramount Plus as an add-on. You must subscribe to Paramount Plus separately through the Paramount Plus app or website, using a different login and payment method.

Will YouTube TV ever include Paramount Plus?

There is no announcement from YouTube TV or Paramount Global about bundling these services. YouTube TV's model focuses on live TV channels, while Paramount Plus operates as an independent streaming service. Changes to this arrangement would require a business decision from both companies.

Do I need YouTube TV to watch Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus works on its own without YouTube TV. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus alone and watch all its content. YouTube TV is useful only if you also want live broadcast and cable channels.

Can I watch Paramount Plus on the same TV as YouTube TV?

Yes. Both apps work on smart TVs, streaming devices, and other platforms. read both apps, log in separately, and switch between them as needed. You will have two separate subscriptions and two separate logins.

What Paramount content can I watch through YouTube TV?

You can watch CBS programming live through YouTube TV, which includes some Paramount-owned shows that air on CBS. However, you cannot watch Paramount Plus exclusive series or movies through YouTube TV. For those, you need the Paramount Plus subscription.