YouTube TV includes Paramount as a standard channel
Yes, YouTube TV carries Paramount. The channel is included in your base YouTube TV membership at no extra cost — you do not need to add a separate Paramount+ subscription to watch it. Paramount airs CBS programming, movies, and original shows as a linear television channel.
This is different from Paramount+, which is a separate streaming service. Paramount+ has its own library of on-demand content, movies, and exclusive shows. If you want both the live Paramount channel through YouTube TV and the Paramount+ streaming library, you would need to pay for Paramount+ separately.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount is included in your YouTube TV membership without paying extra, and you can watch it live or record shows to your library.
- Paramount+ is a different service that costs additional money and offers on-demand movies and shows not available on the live channel.
- You can bundle Paramount+ with YouTube TV through your YouTube TV account if you want both services.
- The Paramount channel on YouTube TV carries CBS content, movies, and some original programming as a live feed.
What you get with Paramount on YouTube TV
When you watch Paramount through YouTube TV, you are watching a live television feed. This means you see what airs at that moment, just as you would with cable or an antenna. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward through programs if you are watching within a few hours of when they aired, depending on YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature.
YouTube TV's cloud DVR lets you record shows and movies from Paramount to your library and watch them later. Your account comes with 500 hours of storage, which is enough to record dozens of programs. If you record a show and do not watch it within nine months, YouTube TV deletes it automatically to make room.
You can also search for Paramount content directly in the YouTube TV app or website. If a show you want is coming up, you can set it to record without having to remember the air time.
The difference between Paramount and Paramount+
Paramount the channel and Paramount+ the streaming service are two separate things. The Paramount channel on YouTube TV shows live programming and reruns on a schedule you cannot control. Paramount+ is an on-demand service where you choose what to watch and when, and it includes movies, shows, and originals that do not air on the live channel.
Paramount+ costs money beyond your YouTube TV subscription. As of now, Paramount+ offers a basic plan with ads and an ad-free plan at different price points, though these prices vary by region and change over time. You can add Paramount+ directly through your YouTube TV account if you want both services, which may be simpler than managing two separate subscriptions.
How to add Paramount+ if you want it
If you decide you want Paramount+ in addition to the live Paramount channel, you can add it through YouTube TV without leaving the app. Open YouTube TV, go to your account settings, and look for the option to add channel memberships or premium services. Paramount+ will appear as an option you can subscribe to.
You can also sign up for Paramount+ directly through its own website or app, but adding it through YouTube TV means your bill combines into one charge and you manage everything in one place. Either way, you are paying the same price for Paramount+ — YouTube TV does not offer a discount.
Checking if Paramount is available in your area
Paramount is available nationwide on YouTube TV, so you should see it in your channel list regardless of where you live. If you cannot find it, check that your YouTube TV membership is active and that you are signed into the correct account.
If Paramount does not appear in your channel list even after checking these things, contact YouTube TV support. They can confirm whether there is a technical issue with your account or whether something is blocking the channel on your network.
Recording and watching Paramount shows on your schedule
The main reason to use the live Paramount channel instead of waiting for shows to appear elsewhere is that you can record them when ready and watch on your own time. If a show airs at a time you cannot watch, set it to record in the YouTube TV app and it saves to your library.
You can also set up a series recording, which automatically records every new episode of a show you follow. This works for daily shows, weekly series, and anything else that repeats. YouTube TV keeps your recordings for nine months, so you have time to watch without worrying about them disappearing right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Paramount+ to watch Paramount on YouTube TV?
No. Paramount the channel is included in your YouTube TV membership. Paramount+ is optional and costs extra if you want the on-demand streaming library. You can watch the live Paramount channel without paying anything beyond your YouTube TV subscription.
Can I watch Paramount on YouTube TV if I am traveling?
Yes, as long as you are signed into your YouTube TV account. YouTube TV works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices. You can watch live or access your recordings from anywhere you have an internet connection.
What happens if I record a show and do not watch it for a long time?
YouTube TV deletes recordings after nine months to manage storage space. If you have a show you want to keep, watch it before the nine-month window closes. You can check the date a recording will expire in your library.
Is Paramount the same as CBS on YouTube TV?
Paramount and CBS are related but not identical. CBS is the broadcast network, and Paramount is a cable channel owned by the same company. Both are included in YouTube TV, and both carry some overlapping content, but they have different schedules and programming.
Can I watch Paramount on YouTube TV without a cable box?
Yes. YouTube TV is a streaming service, so you do not need a cable box or any special equipment. You watch through the YouTube TV app on your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick.