Yes, you can watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries the network that broadcasts the Super Bowl in your region. The Super Bowl airs on either CBS, NBC, or Fox depending on the year—all three are included in a standard YouTube TV membership. You do not need an add-on package or a separate subscription. If your YouTube TV account is active on game day, you can tune in through the YouTube TV app or website the same way you watch any other live channel.
The broadcast starts in the evening on Super Bowl Sunday, and YouTube TV's live TV feature lets you watch it as it airs. You can also use the cloud DVR feature to record the game if you cannot watch it live, though the recording will take up storage in your account's DVR library.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes CBS, NBC, and Fox, so you can watch whichever network broadcasts that year's Super Bowl without paying extra.
- You watch the Super Bowl through the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser—the same way you watch regular live TV.
- YouTube TV's cloud DVR lets you record the game if you are not home when it airs, and the recording stays in your library for nine months.
- You need an active YouTube TV membership on game day; the service does not offer a free trial period long enough to cover the Super Bowl.
Which network broadcasts the Super Bowl changes each year
The three major broadcast networks rotate hosting the Super Bowl. CBS, NBC, and Fox each get a turn, and the network changes annually. YouTube TV carries all three networks as part of its base package, so no matter which network has the broadcast rights that year, you will have access to it.
You can find out which network is broadcasting the current year's Super Bowl by searching online for "Super Bowl [year] broadcast" a few weeks before the game. Once you know the network, you can confirm it is available in your YouTube TV account by opening the app and searching for that channel in the guide.
How to watch on game day
Open the YouTube TV app on your device or go to tv.youtube.com in a web browser. Sign in with the Google account linked to your YouTube TV membership. Search for the network broadcasting the Super Bowl (CBS, NBC, or Fox) or search for "Super Bowl" directly in the YouTube TV guide.
The game will appear in the guide as it gets closer to broadcast time. Tap or click on it to tune in. The broadcast will begin at the scheduled start time, usually in the evening. If you are watching on a smart TV, you can use your remote to navigate; on a phone or tablet, use the YouTube TV app interface; on a computer, use your mouse and keyboard.
Recording the Super Bowl with cloud DVR
YouTube TV includes cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. You can record the Super Bowl if you cannot watch it live. Search for the game in the YouTube TV guide, and you will see a record button (usually a circle icon). Tap or click it to add the game to your DVR library.
The recording will be available to watch after the broadcast ends. You can rewatch it as many times as you want within nine months—after that, YouTube TV deletes it automatically to manage storage. The DVR does not count against any limit; YouTube TV gives you unlimited cloud storage for recordings.
What devices work for watching
You can watch YouTube TV on most devices. This includes smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Google TV, and others), phones and tablets running iOS or Android, computers with a web browser, Chromecast devices, and some streaming boxes. The YouTube TV app is available in the app store for your device.
If you own a device and are not sure whether YouTube TV works on it, visit the YouTube TV help center and search for your device model. The app works the same way across all devices—you sign in once, and your recordings and watch history sync across them.
Internet speed and streaming quality
YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) of internet speed for standard definition and 7 Mbps for high definition. The Super Bowl broadcast is typically available in HD, so a connection of 7 Mbps or faster will give you the best picture. If your internet is slower, the stream may buffer or drop to lower quality automatically.
If you are streaming on multiple devices at the same time in your household, you may need faster speeds. YouTube TV allows up to three simultaneous streams on one account, so if other people are watching different shows while you watch the Super Bowl, your total bandwidth use increases. Test your internet speed a few days before the game using a free speed test tool, and contact your internet provider if speeds are below what YouTube TV recommends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need YouTube TV Premium or any add-on to watch the Super Bowl?
No. The Super Bowl broadcasts on CBS, NBC, or Fox, and all three are included in the standard YouTube TV membership. You do not need to pay extra or upgrade to any premium tier.
Can I watch the Super Bowl if I just signed up for YouTube TV?
Yes, as long as your membership is active on game day. YouTube TV does not offer a free trial, so you would need to pay for at least one month of service. The Super Bowl typically airs in early February, so plan ahead if you want to watch it.
What happens if the internet cuts out during the game?
If your connection drops, the stream will pause. Once your internet is back, you can resume watching from where it stopped. If you miss a large portion of the game, you can record it and rewatch the full broadcast later using the cloud DVR feature.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV outside the United States?
YouTube TV is only available in the United States. If you are traveling outside the country, you will not be able to stream it, even with an active membership. Some international streaming services may carry the Super Bowl in other countries, but that depends on local broadcast rights.
Is the Super Bowl broadcast in 4K on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not currently offer 4K streaming for any content, including the Super Bowl. The highest quality available is HD (1080p). The broadcast networks may offer 4K through their own apps or websites, but YouTube TV streams in HD only.