YouTube TV does not include Paramount+ as part of its base subscription

YouTube TV's standard package does not bundle Paramount+ with it. You cannot add Paramount+ as a channel within YouTube TV the way you might add HBO Max or Showtime. If you want to watch Paramount+ content, you need a separate Paramount+ subscription, which you manage outside of YouTube TV.

That said, there are ways to watch Paramount+ alongside YouTube TV without paying for two completely separate services. The most common option is Paramount+'s ad-supported tier, which costs less than the ad-free version. Some people find the lower price makes it easier to maintain both subscriptions at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount+ is not included in YouTube TV's base package and cannot be added as a channel add-on.
  • You must purchase a Paramount+ subscription separately if you want access to its shows and movies.
  • Paramount+'s ad-supported plan costs less than its ad-free option, making it more affordable to pair with YouTube TV.
  • You can watch Paramount+ on the same devices where you use YouTube TV, including phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

What YouTube TV's package actually includes

YouTube TV offers live television channels, on-demand shows and movies, and cloud DVR storage. The channels vary slightly by location, but typically include ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, and dozens of others. YouTube TV does not position itself as a streaming service that bundles premium channels like Paramount+, HBO Max, or Showtime into one price.

YouTube TV does offer add-on subscriptions for some premium services—you can add HBO Max, Showtime, or Starz directly through the YouTube TV app. Paramount+ is not one of them. This is a business decision by Paramount, not a limitation of YouTube TV's platform.

How to get Paramount+ if you use YouTube TV

You sign up for Paramount+ directly through Paramount's website or through the Paramount+ app on your device. The subscription is separate from YouTube TV and appears as a separate charge on your credit card or payment method. You log into the Paramount+ app with your Paramount+ account credentials, not your YouTube TV login.

Paramount+ offers two tiers: an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan. The ad-supported version is significantly cheaper. Both plans give you access to the same shows and movies; the difference is whether you see advertisements during playback. Many people choose the ad-supported tier to keep costs down, especially if they already pay for YouTube TV.

Devices where you can watch both services

You can use YouTube TV and Paramount+ on the same device without conflict. Both apps work on smart TVs (including Samsung, LG, Roku, and Google TV devices), phones and tablets (iOS and Android), computers (Windows and Mac), and streaming devices like Apple TV and Fire Stick. You straightforward install both apps and switch between them as needed.

If you have a YouTube TV subscription through a family plan, each family member can use their own login. The same applies to Paramount+—if you share a Paramount+ account, multiple people can watch on different devices at the same time, depending on which tier you choose.

Why Paramount+ is not bundled with YouTube TV

Paramount+ is owned by Paramount Global, the same company that owns the CBS television network. YouTube TV carries CBS as a live channel, but Paramount+ is a separate streaming service with its own exclusive shows, movies, and back catalog. Paramount has chosen to sell Paramount+ as its own product rather than bundle it into other services.

This is different from how some cable bundles work, where you might get HBO included with a premium package. Paramount's strategy is to charge separately for Paramount+ and let people decide whether they want it in addition to their other subscriptions.

Comparing the cost of both subscriptions

YouTube TV's base package costs a set monthly rate (which varies by location and changes periodically). Paramount+'s ad-supported plan costs less per month than its ad-free plan. If you add them together, the total is higher than YouTube TV alone, but lower than YouTube TV plus a premium streaming service with no ads.

Some people find it worth the cost because YouTube TV provides live television and sports, while Paramount+ provides on-demand shows and movies from Paramount's library. Others choose to rotate subscriptions—keeping YouTube TV year-round and adding Paramount+ only during months when shows they want to watch are airing.

Other ways to watch Paramount+ content

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes CBS, you may be able to watch some Paramount+ content through the Paramount+ app using your cable login. This varies by provider and by show. Check the Paramount+ website to see if your cable provider is listed.

Some Paramount+ shows and movies are also available on other platforms. For example, certain CBS shows air on the CBS app or website if you have a cable login. Movies from Paramount's film library sometimes appear on rental or purchase platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. But the full Paramount+ library—including exclusive series and the complete back catalog—requires a Paramount+ subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Paramount+ through the YouTube TV app?

No. Paramount+ is a separate app and service. You cannot access it through YouTube TV's interface. You need to read the Paramount+ app separately and log in with your Paramount+ account.

Will YouTube TV ever add Paramount+ as a channel add-on?

There is no announcement that this will happen. YouTube TV offers add-ons for HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz, but Paramount has not made Paramount+ available through that system. Streaming service bundles change over time, so it is worth checking YouTube TV's add-on options periodically.

Is the ad-supported version of Paramount+ worth it if I already pay for YouTube TV?

That depends on what you want to watch. If you watch Paramount+ regularly, the ad-supported tier is significantly cheaper than the ad-free version and gives you access to the same content. Many people find the ads acceptable for the lower price, especially if they are already paying for YouTube TV.

Can I use the same login for YouTube TV and Paramount+?

No. YouTube TV and Paramount+ are separate services with separate logins. You create a Paramount+ account independently and log in to the Paramount+ app with those credentials. Your YouTube TV login does not work for Paramount+.

What if I want to cancel Paramount+ but keep YouTube TV?

You cancel Paramount+ through your Paramount+ account settings or through the app. Canceling Paramount+ does not affect your YouTube TV subscription. The two are completely separate, so you can stop one without touching the other.