Paramount Plus is not included in YouTube TV's base package
YouTube TV does not bundle Paramount Plus with its standard subscription. You get live TV channels, cloud DVR storage, and YouTube TV's own on-demand library, but Paramount Plus—the streaming service owned by Paramount Global—costs extra and requires a separate subscription.
That said, YouTube TV does offer a way to add Paramount Plus to your account. Through YouTube TV's add-on system, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly and pay for it alongside your YouTube TV bill. The monthly cost of Paramount Plus varies depending on which tier you choose (ad-supported or ad-free), and it will appear as a separate line item on your YouTube TV invoice.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus does not come with YouTube TV's base subscription and must be purchased separately.
- You can add Paramount Plus to your YouTube TV account through YouTube TV's add-on marketplace, and it will be billed together.
- Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without, each at different price points.
- If you only want Paramount Plus without YouTube TV, you can subscribe to it directly through Paramount's website or app.
How to add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV
If you have an active YouTube TV subscription, you can browse available add-ons directly in the YouTube TV app or website. Look for the "Browse Add-ons" or similar option in your account settings or the main menu. Paramount Plus will appear in the list of available streaming services you can layer onto your account.
When you select Paramount Plus, YouTube TV will show you the available tiers and their costs. You choose which version you want, confirm the purchase, and the subscription activates when ready. Your YouTube TV bill will then include both your base YouTube TV charge and the Paramount Plus add-on charge each month.
Canceling the add-on works the same way: go to your add-ons menu and remove Paramount Plus. The cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, so you'll retain access until then.
What's the difference between the two Paramount Plus tiers
Paramount Plus offers an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan. The ad-supported version costs less per month but shows commercials during shows and movies. The ad-free version removes those interruptions but costs more. Both tiers give you access to the same content library—the difference is purely the viewing experience.
When you add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV, you'll see both options and their respective prices at the time of purchase. The pricing can vary by region and changes periodically, so the exact dollar amounts depend on where you live and when you subscribe.
Other streaming add-ons available through YouTube TV
YouTube TV's add-on system includes several other premium streaming services beyond Paramount Plus. You might see options like Max (formerly HBO Max), Showtime, Starz, and others, depending on your location and YouTube TV's current partnerships. Each add-on is optional and billed separately.
This approach lets you customize your streaming setup without subscribing to services you don't want. You pay only for the channels and services you actually use, rather than being forced into a bundle that includes things you'll never watch.
Subscribing to Paramount Plus without YouTube TV
You don't need YouTube TV to watch Paramount Plus. You can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly through Paramount's website, the Paramount Plus app, or third-party platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Apple TV Channels. When you subscribe outside of YouTube TV, you'll manage the subscription and billing separately from any other services.
The content and tiers are identical whether you subscribe through YouTube TV or directly through Paramount. The only difference is where your bill comes from and how you access the service. Some people prefer bundling everything through YouTube TV for a single invoice, while others prefer managing each subscription independently.
What content is on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus includes movies, original series, live sports (including NFL games on certain days), and shows from Paramount's library. The service carries content from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and other Paramount-owned networks. If you're interested in specific shows or sports, check Paramount's current content list before subscribing to confirm they're available in your region.
Content availability varies by region and changes over time as licensing agreements shift. A show available today might move to another service next year, or new content might be added. Paramount Plus's website shows what's currently available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Paramount Plus on the same devices I use for YouTube TV?
Yes. Paramount Plus works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. If you add Paramount Plus through YouTube TV, you can access it through the Paramount Plus app on any of these devices using your Paramount Plus login credentials.
Do I get a discount if I bundle Paramount Plus with YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not offer a bundled discount for adding Paramount Plus. You pay the standard Paramount Plus monthly rate plus your YouTube TV subscription fee. The convenience is that both charges appear on one bill, not that the price is reduced.
What happens to my Paramount Plus subscription if I cancel YouTube TV?
If you cancel YouTube TV but want to keep Paramount Plus, you can remove the add-on from your YouTube TV account before canceling. Alternatively, you can subscribe to Paramount Plus directly after YouTube TV ends, and your access will continue uninterrupted. The two subscriptions are separate, so canceling one does not automatically cancel the other.
Can I share my Paramount Plus login with family members?
Paramount Plus allows simultaneous streams on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier. Check Paramount's current terms for how many devices can stream at once. If you're sharing a login across households, Paramount's terms of service may restrict that, so review their policies before sharing credentials.