YouTube TV does not have a dedicated music channel, but music content is available through other routes
YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include a standalone music channel like MTV or VH1. The service focuses on live TV channels—news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle programming—rather than music-specific stations. If you are looking for music videos or music-focused shows on YouTube TV, you will not find them in the main channel guide.
However, music content does exist on YouTube TV in two ways. First, some of the entertainment channels that come with your subscription occasionally air music-related programming or performances. Second, YouTube TV subscribers also have access to YouTube's broader platform, where music videos, live performances, and music channels exist separately from the TV service itself.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's channel lineup does not include MTV, VH1, or any dedicated music channels.
- Music content on YouTube TV is limited to occasional performances or music-related shows on general entertainment channels.
- YouTube TV subscribers can access YouTube.com separately, where music videos and music channels are available outside the TV service.
- If music programming is important to you, YouTube Music is a separate subscription service designed specifically for music listening.
- The channels included with YouTube TV vary by region and change over time, so checking your current lineup is the best way to see what is available.
What channels come with YouTube TV and where music appears
YouTube TV includes channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and others depending on your region. None of these are music-focused channels. Some entertainment channels—such as E! Entertainment or Bravo—may occasionally show music performances or award shows, but music programming is not their primary focus.
The channel lineup changes periodically as YouTube TV adds or removes channels based on licensing agreements. You can see your exact channel list by opening the YouTube TV app or website and looking at the guide. If you are looking for a specific music-related show or performance, searching the guide is faster than scrolling through all available channels.
How to find music content if you have YouTube TV
If you want to watch music videos or music-focused programming, you have two options within your YouTube TV subscription. First, use the YouTube.com website or YouTube app (not the YouTube TV app) to search for music videos, live performances, or music channels. Your YouTube account is linked to your YouTube TV account, so you can switch between them easily.
Second, check whether any upcoming award shows or music events are scheduled on your YouTube TV channels. The Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and similar events sometimes air on ABC or other broadcast networks included in your subscription. You can search the YouTube TV guide for these events by name or browse the schedule for the channels that typically carry them.
YouTube Music as a separate service from YouTube TV
YouTube Music is a distinct subscription service designed for music listening, not live TV. It is not included with YouTube TV. YouTube Music offers ad-free music streaming, offline listening, and background play—features designed for music consumption rather than television watching.
Some YouTube TV subscribers also pay for YouTube Music separately, but the two services are independent. YouTube TV is a live television service; YouTube Music is a music streaming service. If music is your primary interest, YouTube Music is the product built for that purpose, not YouTube TV.
Why YouTube TV does not include music channels
YouTube TV's business model focuses on live television—the channels and programming that people traditionally watch on cable. Music channels like MTV and VH1 have separate licensing agreements and costs. YouTube TV's pricing reflects the channels it includes, and adding music channels would increase the subscription cost.
Additionally, music consumption has shifted away from cable channels toward streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Most people who want music programming choose a dedicated music streaming service rather than a cable package. YouTube TV reflects this shift by offering live TV channels without the music-channel tier.
Checking your YouTube TV channel list for music-related programming
To see exactly what is available in your region, open the YouTube TV app or go to tv.youtube.com and log in. Click on the "Guide" or "Home" tab to see all available channels. You can search by name or browse by category. If you search for "music," the guide will show you any upcoming music-related programs scheduled on your channels.
You can also set up notifications for specific shows or events. If a music award show or concert special is coming to one of your channels, you can add it to your library so YouTube TV reminds you when it airs. This is more reliable than checking the guide manually each week.
Alternatives if you want music programming with live TV
If having music channels is important to you, traditional cable or satellite TV services may include them in their packages. However, these services typically cost more than YouTube TV and require a contract. You would need to compare the total cost and channel lineup of each service to decide whether the music channels are worth the extra expense.
Another option is to use YouTube TV for live television and subscribe to YouTube Music or another music streaming service separately. This combination gives you both live TV and dedicated music content, though it requires two subscriptions. Many people find this approach more flexible than paying for cable channels they do not watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch music videos on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV does not have a dedicated music video channel. However, you can watch music videos on YouTube.com using the same account. YouTube TV is for live television; YouTube.com is where music videos and music channels exist. They are separate platforms with the same login.
Does YouTube TV include MTV or VH1?
No. YouTube TV does not carry MTV, VH1, or any other dedicated music channels. The service focuses on news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle channels. If music channels are essential to you, YouTube TV may not meet your needs.
Is YouTube Music included with YouTube TV?
No. YouTube Music is a separate subscription service for music streaming. It is not included with YouTube TV. You can subscribe to YouTube Music independently if you want music streaming, but it costs extra and is a different product from the TV service.
What should I do if I want both live TV and music programming?
You can subscribe to YouTube TV for live television and YouTube Music for music streaming as two separate services. Alternatively, you can use YouTube TV and watch music videos on YouTube.com for free (with ads). This gives you both live TV and music content without paying for a dedicated music streaming service.
Do music award shows air on YouTube TV?
Some music award shows air on broadcast networks included with YouTube TV, such as the Grammy Awards on CBS or the American Music Awards on ABC. Check your YouTube TV guide by searching for the event name to see if it is scheduled on one of your channels.