Paramount+ is not included in any YouTube TV package

YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount+ with any of its subscription tiers. If you want to watch Paramount+ content—shows like Yellowstone, 1883, Pluto TV originals, and movies from the Paramount film library—you need a separate Paramount+ subscription paid directly to Paramount.

YouTube TV includes live TV channels, on-demand content from those channels, and YouTube's own originals. Paramount+ is a different streaming service owned by a different company (Paramount Global), so it operates independently. You can subscribe to both services at the same time, but they are billed separately and accessed through different apps.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV and Paramount+ are separate services with separate subscriptions and separate monthly charges.
  • YouTube TV includes live broadcast channels, cable channels, and YouTube originals, but not Paramount+ content.
  • Some YouTube TV channels (like CBS) carry Paramount-owned content, but this is not the same as having Paramount+ access.
  • If you want Paramount+ alongside YouTube TV, you pay for both subscriptions independently.

What streaming services YouTube TV actually includes

YouTube TV comes with access to live channels and on-demand libraries from those channels. This includes ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and roughly 100 other live channels depending on your location. You also get YouTube Originals—shows and movies made by YouTube itself.

Some YouTube TV packages include add-on subscriptions like Max (formerly HBO Max), Paramount+, Showtime, and Starz, but these cost extra and are optional. You choose which add-ons you want when you set up your account or change your plan later. The base YouTube TV package does not include any of these premium services.

The difference between YouTube TV channels and Paramount+

YouTube TV carries CBS, which is owned by Paramount Global. When you watch CBS through YouTube TV, you see live broadcasts and some on-demand CBS content. But CBS on YouTube TV is not the same as Paramount+. CBS shows you what airs on the network; Paramount+ shows you a separate library of movies, series, and exclusives that CBS does not broadcast.

For example, you might watch a CBS news broadcast through YouTube TV, but to watch the full season of Yellowstone or Star Trek: Discovery, you need Paramount+ itself. The two services have different content libraries and different purposes.

How to add Paramount+ if you want it

You can add Paramount+ to your YouTube TV account during signup or anytime after. Open the YouTube TV app or website, go to your account settings, find the add-ons section, and select Paramount+. You will be charged the Paramount+ monthly rate (which varies—Paramount offers both ad-supported and ad-free tiers) in addition to your YouTube TV bill.

Paramount+ will then appear as a tile in your YouTube TV home screen, and you can launch it directly from there. Your login credentials for YouTube TV do not automatically work on the standalone Paramount+ app, so if you want to watch on a phone, tablet, or other device, you may need to sign in separately depending on the device.

Other streaming add-ons available through YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers several premium add-on subscriptions beyond Paramount+. Max (HBO's streaming service) includes HBO series, Warner Bros. films, and Max originals. Showtime carries premium drama series and movies. Starz focuses on drama and action content. You can mix and match these add-ons or skip them entirely.

Each add-on costs extra per month and can be turned on or off anytime. If you add Paramount+ and then cancel it two months later, you stop being charged for it when ready. There is no contract or penalty for cancelling add-ons.

Why Paramount+ is separate from YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV service—it streams broadcast and cable channels as they air, plus on-demand libraries from those channels. Paramount+ is a streaming-only service with its own original shows, movies, and archives. They serve different purposes and are owned by different companies, so they remain separate products.

This separation means you can choose exactly what you pay for. If you only want live TV and YouTube originals, you do not pay for Paramount+. If you want Paramount+ but not YouTube TV, you can subscribe to Paramount+ alone. The choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ on the same device I use for YouTube TV?

Yes. If you add Paramount+ as a YouTube TV add-on, it will appear in your YouTube TV app and you can launch it from there. You can also read the standalone Paramount+ app on most devices and sign in separately. Both methods work on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

If I cancel YouTube TV, do I lose Paramount+ too?

Only if you added Paramount+ through YouTube TV as an add-on. If you cancel YouTube TV, that add-on cancels with it. If you want to keep Paramount+, you would need to subscribe to it directly from Paramount instead. Cancelling YouTube TV does not affect a standalone Paramount+ subscription you pay for separately.

Does YouTube TV ever include Paramount+ for free?

No. YouTube TV does not offer Paramount+ free with any package. Some promotions may offer discounted rates on add-ons for new subscribers, but these are temporary. Check YouTube TV's current offers when you sign up to see what deals are running.

What if I only want to watch CBS shows—do I need Paramount+?

Not necessarily. CBS broadcasts through YouTube TV, so you can watch live CBS and on-demand CBS content through your YouTube TV subscription. You only need Paramount+ if you want shows and movies that are exclusive to Paramount+ or not available on CBS itself.