Music Channels on YouTube TV: What's Available and What Isn't

YouTube TV does not carry traditional music channels like MTV, VH1, or music-focused cable networks

YouTube TV's channel lineup includes news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle programming, but it does not include dedicated music video channels or music-only networks. If you are looking for MTV, VH1, CMT, or similar channels that air music videos and music-related shows, you will not find them in a YouTube TV subscription.

What YouTube TV does offer is access to the main YouTube platform itself, where you can search for music videos, live performances, and music channels uploaded by artists and labels. This is different from having a cable music channel built into your TV guide, but it does give you a way to watch music content without a separate subscription.

The absence of music channels reflects a broader shift in how people consume music. Most viewers now use streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music rather than watching music videos on television. YouTube TV's focus is on live TV channels that still operate on a traditional broadcast schedule.

Key Takeaways

YouTube TV does not include MTV, VH1, CMT, or other dedicated music video channels in its standard package.
You can watch music videos and artist channels through YouTube's main platform, which comes with your YouTube TV subscription.
Music content on YouTube TV is on-demand rather than scheduled, so you choose what to watch instead of tuning into a live music program.
If you want a music streaming service with radio-style listening, YouTube Music is a separate subscription from YouTube TV.

What music content you can access through YouTube TV

Your YouTube TV subscription includes access to YouTube itself, where millions of music videos, live performances, and artist channels are available. You can search for specific songs, artists, or genres and watch them whenever you want. This includes official music videos from major labels, live concert recordings, and covers uploaded by independent musicians.

YouTube also hosts music channels run by artists, record labels, and music curators. Channels like The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and Vevo (which aggregates official music videos) all have dedicated pages where you can browse their content. You can subscribe to these channels within YouTube to see new uploads in your feed.

The difference between this and a traditional music channel is control. With MTV or VH1, you watch whatever is scheduled. With YouTube, you pick the song or artist you want to see right now. There is no waiting for your favorite video to come on rotation.

Why cable music channels disappeared from most TV packages

MTV stopped showing music videos as its primary format in the early 2000s and now focuses on reality television and entertainment news. VH1 followed a similar path. By the time streaming services became mainstream, these channels had already shifted away from music, so there was less demand to include them in new TV packages.

Younger viewers especially have moved away from watching music on television. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and TikTok now drive how people discover and listen to music. Streaming services let you create playlists, skip songs, and listen on any device — features that scheduled TV channels cannot match.

YouTube TV was built for the streaming era, so it reflects what people actually watch now rather than what cable packages included 20 years ago. The platform prioritizes live sports, news, and entertainment that benefits from a scheduled broadcast format.

YouTube Music as an alternative to music channels

YouTube Music is a separate subscription service from YouTube TV. It is a music streaming platform similar to Spotify or Apple Music, where you can search for songs, create playlists, and listen to radio stations based on your taste. It is not a channel you watch on your TV — it is a service you listen to on your phone, computer, or smart speaker.

If you have a YouTube TV subscription, you already have access to YouTube Music's free tier, which includes ads and limited skips. The paid YouTube Music Premium subscription removes ads and lets you read songs to listen offline. Some YouTube TV plans bundle YouTube Music Premium at no extra cost, depending on your package and region.

YouTube Music is useful if you want background music or radio-style listening. It is not a replacement for watching music videos, but it covers the listening side of music consumption that cable music channels never really addressed anyway.

Music-related shows still on cable that YouTube TV carries

While YouTube TV does not have dedicated music channels, it does carry some programs that feature music. Channels like NBC, ABC, and others air award shows such as the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. These are scheduled events rather than ongoing music programming, but they do appear in your guide when they air live.

Late-night talk shows on channels like NBC and CBS often feature musical performances by guest artists. If you watch these shows, you will see live music performances as part of the program, but again, this is not the same as having a music channel you can tune into anytime.

Some YouTube TV packages may include Peacock or other streaming services that have music-related content, but this varies by plan and region. Check your specific package details to see what is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch music videos on YouTube TV?

Yes, through the YouTube platform that comes with your subscription. You can search for any music video and watch it on demand. This is different from a scheduled music channel, but it gives you access to millions of music videos whenever you want to watch them.

Is YouTube Music included with YouTube TV?

You get access to YouTube Music's free tier with ads. Some YouTube TV plans include YouTube Music Premium at no extra cost, but this depends on your specific package and location. Check your account details or contact YouTube TV support to see what is included in your plan.

What happened to MTV and VH1?

Both channels still exist but no longer focus on music videos. MTV shifted to reality television in the 2000s, and VH1 followed a similar path. They are available on some cable packages, but YouTube TV does not carry them because they do not air music programming anymore.

Can I get music channels on a different streaming service?

Most streaming TV services do not carry dedicated music channels either, since they have largely disappeared from cable. If you want music content, YouTube and music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music are your main options. Some services may carry occasional music-related shows or award programs.

How do I watch music videos on my TV with YouTube TV?

Open YouTube through your TV app or cast it from your phone to your TV. Search for the artist or song you want to watch, and play it on the big screen. This works on most smart TVs and devices that support YouTube or casting.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.