YouTube TV raised its base price to $72.99 per month in October 2023

Yes, YouTube TV's price has gone up multiple times over the past few years. The most recent increase happened in October 2023, when the base plan jumped from $64.99 to $72.99 per month. This followed an earlier increase in July 2022, when the service moved from $54.99 to $64.99. Before that, the price had been stable at $54.99 since the service launched in 2017.

YouTube TV also offers a 4K Plus add-on for $9.99 per month, which gives you 4K resolution and the ability to watch on six devices at once instead of three. The base plan itself includes cloud DVR storage, simultaneous streams on up to three devices, and access to most major broadcast and cable channels.

Price changes are not unique to YouTube TV — most streaming services and cable alternatives have raised rates over the same period. The increases typically reflect higher costs that YouTube pays to license content from networks and studios.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base plan costs $72.99 per month as of October 2023, up from $64.99 the year before.
  • The service has raised prices three times since 2017, with the largest jump occurring between 2022 and 2023.
  • An optional 4K Plus add-on costs $9.99 per month and includes 4K streaming and more simultaneous device access.
  • Existing subscribers may see a different price depending on when they signed up, as YouTube sometimes grandfathers older customers at previous rates for a limited time.

When YouTube TV raised prices and by how much

YouTube TV has increased its base plan price three times since launch. In 2017, the service started at $34.99 per month. It stayed at that price until February 2019, when it jumped to $39.99. The next increase came in July 2022, raising it to $54.99, and then to $64.99 in the same month (the company adjusted the price twice within weeks). The most recent increase to $72.99 happened in October 2023.

When YouTube TV raises prices, the change typically applies to new subscribers when ready. Existing subscribers usually get a grace period — often 30 to 60 days — before the new price takes effect on their account. During that window, you receive a notification about the change and the date it will go into effect. Some long-term subscribers have been grandfathered at older prices for extended periods, though this is not may provide and varies by account.

What you get for the current price

The $72.99 base plan includes access to over 150 channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and others. The exact channel lineup varies slightly by location, as some regional sports networks and local channels depend on where you live. You can check your specific channel list by entering your zip code on YouTube TV's website.

The plan also comes with unlimited cloud DVR storage, meaning you can record as many programs as you want and keep them for up to nine months. You can stream on up to three devices at the same time, and you have access to YouTube TV's on-demand library. If you want to watch in 4K resolution or stream on more devices simultaneously, the 4K Plus add-on is available for $9.99 per month.

YouTube TV does not include premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz in the base plan, but you can add some of these as separate subscriptions through the YouTube TV interface.

How YouTube TV's price compares to other live TV services

YouTube TV is one of several live TV streaming services competing in the same market. Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month for its ad-supported plan and $82.99 for ad-free, and includes access to Hulu's on-demand library. Sling TV offers more affordable entry points — its Orange plan starts at $40.99 per month and Blue at $40.99, though both have fewer channels than YouTube TV. You can combine both Sling plans for $55.98 per month.

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) starts at $79.99 per month for its basic plan and goes up to $149.99 for its premium tier. FuboTV, which emphasizes sports, costs $79.99 per month. The trade-offs between these services involve channel selection, simultaneous streams, cloud DVR storage, and whether they include on-demand content. Your choice depends on which channels matter most to you and how many people in your household need to watch at the same time.

Why streaming services raise prices

Streaming services raise prices primarily because the cost of licensing content from networks and studios increases over time. When you watch ABC, ESPN, or CNN through YouTube TV, YouTube pays those networks a per-subscriber fee. As those networks demand higher fees — which they do regularly during contract negotiations — YouTube passes some of that cost to subscribers. Content licensing is typically the largest expense for live TV streaming services.

Other factors include infrastructure costs to deliver video to millions of users, customer service, and development of new features. Inflation also affects operating costs across the business. Unlike ad-supported services like traditional cable, YouTube TV relies entirely on subscription revenue, so price increases are one of the main ways the service maintains profitability.

What to do if the price increase affects your decision

If the new price pushes YouTube TV outside your budget, you have several options. You can downgrade to a cheaper live TV service like Sling TV, which offers basic cable channels at a lower monthly cost. You can also switch to a combination of cheaper streaming services — for example, using Netflix, Disney+, and a free ad-supported service like Pluto TV or Tubi for entertainment, plus a sports-focused service if you need live games.

Another option is to pause your YouTube TV subscription temporarily. YouTube TV allows you to put your account on hold for up to four months without losing your settings, recordings, or billing information. When you return, your preferences and DVR library remain intact. You can reactivate whenever you want, though you will pay the current price at that time.

If you have been a long-term subscriber and the price increase feels steep, you can contact YouTube TV customer support to ask about your options. While the company does not typically negotiate individual prices, it is worth asking whether any promotional rates or discounts are available for your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my price go up when ready or do I get a warning?

YouTube TV notifies you about price increases 30 to 60 days before the new rate takes effect on your account. You will see the notification in the YouTube TV app or on your account page. The change does not happen overnight — you have time to decide whether to keep the service or cancel before being charged the new price.

Do all YouTube TV subscribers pay the same price?

Most subscribers pay the current price of $72.99 per month, but some long-term customers may still be on older rates due to grandfathering. This varies by account and is not may provide to continue indefinitely. When you receive a price increase notice, that is when your grandfathered rate ends and you move to the current price.

Can I get YouTube TV cheaper if I bundle it with other Google services?

YouTube TV does not currently offer bundle discounts with other Google services like YouTube Premium or Google One. You pay for YouTube TV separately at the standard rate. However, you can use Google One's family sharing features to split costs with household members if you have a family plan.

What happens to my recordings if I cancel because of the price increase?

Your cloud DVR recordings are deleted when you cancel your YouTube TV subscription. If you think you might return later, pause your account instead of canceling — this keeps your recordings and settings intact for up to four months. If you do cancel, read or watch any important recordings before your cancellation takes effect.

Is there a way to lock in a lower price?

No, YouTube TV does not offer long-term price locks or contracts. Once your grandfathered rate ends, you move to the current price. The only way to avoid future increases is to cancel and use a different service, though other live TV providers also raise prices periodically.