YouTube TV's ad-free option costs extra, but it works across all channels
YouTube TV Premium removes ads from most live TV and on-demand content. It costs $13.99 per month on top of your regular YouTube TV subscription, which starts at $72.99 per month. So the total is about $86.98 monthly for ad-free viewing.
The catch: not every channel removes ads completely. Some networks — particularly sports channels and premium cable channels — insert ads that the channel itself controls, not YouTube. YouTube TV Premium stops the ads YouTube places, but it cannot stop the ones baked into the broadcast feed by the network.
You can add YouTube TV Premium to an existing subscription or choose it when you first sign up. The feature applies to your entire household account, so everyone using that YouTube TV login watches without ads.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV Premium costs $13.99 per month extra and removes most ads from live TV and on-demand shows.
- Some networks insert their own ads that YouTube TV Premium cannot remove, particularly on sports and premium cable channels.
- The ad-free option covers your whole household account, not individual profiles.
- You can cancel YouTube TV Premium at any time without affecting your base YouTube TV subscription.
Which channels still show ads even with Premium
Networks control some of their own ad inventory, and YouTube TV Premium does not override that. Sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and regional sports networks often insert ads during games and sports programming. Premium cable channels like HBO and Showtime may also include ads on certain content, depending on the network's agreement with YouTube TV.
When you start watching a show or game, YouTube TV will tell you whether ads are included. Look for a note that says "This program includes ads" — that means the network, not YouTube, is inserting them. YouTube TV Premium will not remove those.
On-demand movies and shows from major studios sometimes carry ads as well. If you are watching a film or series that the studio licenses with ads included, YouTube TV Premium will not strip them out.
How to add or remove YouTube TV Premium
Open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your account settings. Select "Membership" or "Billing," then look for the YouTube TV Premium option. You can toggle it on, and the $13.99 charge will appear on your next bill.
If you want to remove it, go back to the same menu and turn it off. Your subscription will revert to the standard plan with ads at the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged for the Premium tier going forward.
The change takes effect when ready if you add it mid-month — you will see a prorated charge on your next bill. If you remove it, you keep the ad-free experience through the end of your current billing period.
What you get ad-free with Premium
YouTube TV Premium removes ads from live TV broadcasts, on-demand shows, and movies that YouTube controls. This includes most network programming, cable shows, and streaming originals available through YouTube TV. You will not see ads before, during, or after these programs.
The feature also covers YouTube TV's cloud DVR storage. If you record a show and watch it later, it plays without ads (unless the network inserted ads into the broadcast itself).
YouTube TV Premium does not affect ads on the YouTube platform itself — that is a separate subscription called YouTube Premium. If you want ad-free YouTube videos, music, and YouTube TV all together, you would need both subscriptions, or you could look into YouTube Premium Bundle, which combines them.
Comparing YouTube TV Premium to other streaming services
Most live TV streaming services charge extra for ad-free viewing or do not offer it at all. Hulu + Live TV offers an ad-free tier for $89.99 per month (compared to YouTube TV Premium's $86.98 total). Sling TV does not offer an ad-free option at all. YouTube TV Premium sits in the middle of the market in terms of cost and availability.
If you primarily watch on-demand content rather than live TV, a service like Hulu (without live TV) or Netflix may be cheaper overall. But if you want live channels without ads, YouTube TV Premium is one of the few options available.
The decision depends on which channels matter to you. If you watch a lot of sports, remember that YouTube TV Premium will not remove the network's own ads, so you may still see commercials during games.
Free trial and money-back may provide
YouTube TV offers a free trial period for new subscribers, usually three months at no cost. During the trial, you can test the service with ads to see if the channels and features work for you before paying.
YouTube TV does not offer a separate trial for YouTube TV Premium specifically. If you want to test the ad-free experience, you would need to add Premium to your account and pay the $13.99 monthly fee. You can remove it when ready if you decide it is not worth the cost.
YouTube TV allows cancellation at any time without penalty. If you add Premium and change your mind within the first month, you can remove it and avoid future charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV Premium remove ads from sports games?
YouTube TV Premium removes ads that YouTube places, but sports networks insert their own ads during games. Those network ads will still appear. If you watch a lot of sports, Premium may not eliminate all commercials.
Can I use YouTube TV Premium on multiple devices?
Yes. YouTube TV Premium applies to your entire account, so anyone signed into your household account on any device will see no ads. YouTube TV allows multiple simultaneous streams depending on your plan.
Is YouTube TV Premium the same as YouTube Premium?
No. YouTube TV Premium removes ads from live TV and on-demand content on YouTube TV only. YouTube Premium removes ads from the YouTube video platform. They are separate subscriptions, though YouTube offers a bundle that includes both.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel YouTube TV Premium?
Your recordings stay in your cloud DVR. If you cancel Premium, future playback of those recordings will include ads (unless the network inserted them). Your existing recordings are not deleted.
Can I pause my YouTube TV Premium subscription?
YouTube TV does not offer a pause feature for Premium specifically. You can remove it and add it back later, but you will be charged the full monthly fee each time you reactivate it.