YouTube TV does not include Disney Plus as part of its base subscription

YouTube TV's standard package covers live TV channels, on-demand content from those networks, and YouTube Originals, but Disney Plus is a separate streaming service you would need to pay for on its own. Disney Plus is owned by The Walt Disney Company, which is a different company from Google (which owns YouTube TV), so the two services operate independently.

You can subscribe to Disney Plus through YouTube TV's add-on system if you want both services in one place, or you can subscribe to Disney Plus directly through Disney's website or app. The pricing and terms differ depending on which route you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube TV's base package does not include Disney Plus; they are separate services run by different companies.
  • You can add Disney Plus as a monthly add-on through YouTube TV's subscription menu, or subscribe to Disney Plus directly from Disney.
  • Adding Disney Plus through YouTube TV costs the same as subscribing directly, so there is no price advantage to bundling through YouTube TV.
  • YouTube TV does include Hulu (with ads) at no extra cost, which is also owned by Disney, but this is different from Disney Plus.
  • If you want Disney content, you may also see ESPN Plus offered as an add-on through YouTube TV, which is another Disney-owned service.

What streaming services are included with YouTube TV

YouTube TV's base subscription includes access to live TV channels from major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and others depending on your location), plus on-demand libraries from those networks. You also get YouTube Originals, which are shows and films produced by YouTube itself.

The service includes Hulu with ads at no extra cost. This is a separate app from YouTube TV, but the subscription is bundled into your YouTube TV bill. Hulu gives you access to current and past episodes of many TV shows, plus films and Hulu Originals. This is owned by Disney, but it is not the same as Disney Plus.

YouTube TV does not include ESPN Plus or Disney Plus in the base package, though both can be added as paid add-ons if you want them.

How to add Disney Plus to your YouTube TV account

If you want Disney Plus alongside YouTube TV, you can add it directly through the YouTube TV app or website. Open your account settings, go to the memberships or add-ons section, and look for Disney Plus in the available options. You will see the current monthly price and can choose to add it from there.

Once you add Disney Plus through YouTube TV, you will be able to access it through the YouTube TV app on compatible devices, or you can read the Disney Plus app separately and sign in with the same account. The billing will appear on your YouTube TV bill each month.

The monthly cost of Disney Plus through YouTube TV is the same as subscribing directly to Disney Plus, so there is no financial reason to choose one route over the other. The choice comes down to whether you prefer managing everything through YouTube TV's interface or using the Disney Plus app directly.

The difference between Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus

Disney Plus is a streaming service focused on content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It includes films, series, and documentaries from those brands. ESPN Plus is a sports streaming service with live games, original shows, and exclusive sports content. Hulu is a general entertainment service with current TV episodes, older series, films, and Hulu Originals.

All three are owned by The Walt Disney Company, but they are separate services with separate content libraries and separate subscriptions. YouTube TV includes Hulu with ads in its base package, but Disney Plus and ESPN Plus are add-ons you pay extra for.

Some people subscribe to all three because they want sports (ESPN Plus), general TV and film (Hulu), and Disney family content (Disney Plus). Others subscribe to only one or two depending on what they watch. There is no bundle discount if you add all three through YouTube TV, though Disney does offer a bundle discount if you subscribe to all three directly through Disney's website.

Comparing Disney Plus pricing: YouTube TV versus direct subscription

Disney Plus costs the same whether you add it through YouTube TV or subscribe directly. As of now, Disney Plus offers a plan with ads and a plan without ads, and both prices are identical regardless of where you subscribe.

The main difference is convenience and billing. If you add Disney Plus through YouTube TV, your bill consolidates everything in one place and you can manage it through YouTube TV's settings. If you subscribe directly to Disney Plus, you manage it separately and receive a separate bill.

If you are already a YouTube TV subscriber and want Disney Plus, adding it through YouTube TV is straightforward because you do not need to create a new account or provide new payment information. If you do not have YouTube TV and only want Disney Plus, subscribing directly to Disney Plus is simpler because you skip the YouTube TV subscription entirely.

What to do if you want Disney content but not YouTube TV

If you are interested in Disney Plus but do not want YouTube TV, you can subscribe to Disney Plus on its own through Disney's website, the Disney Plus app, or through other platforms like Amazon Prime Video (where you can add Disney Plus as a channel). You do not need YouTube TV to access Disney Plus.

You can also look into the Disney Bundle, which Disney offers directly. This bundle includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a discounted rate compared to subscribing to each separately. The bundle is available with Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads, and the price changes depending on which version you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hulu the same as Disney Plus?

No. Hulu is a general entertainment streaming service with current TV episodes, older series, and films. Disney Plus focuses on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. YouTube TV includes Hulu with ads in its base package, but Disney Plus is a separate add-on.

Can I watch Marvel and Star Wars on YouTube TV without paying extra?

Marvel and Star Wars content is on Disney Plus, not included in YouTube TV's base package. You would need to add Disney Plus as a paid add-on to YouTube TV, or subscribe to Disney Plus separately. Some Marvel and Star Wars content may appear on Hulu, which is included with YouTube TV.

What if I want sports, Disney content, and general TV all in one place?

You can add both Disney Plus and ESPN Plus to your YouTube TV subscription, and you already have Hulu with ads included. This gives you all three services in one bill, though there is no discount for bundling through YouTube TV. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the Disney Bundle directly from Disney and keep YouTube TV separate.

Do I need a separate Disney Plus account if I add it through YouTube TV?

No. When you add Disney Plus through YouTube TV, it links to your YouTube TV account. You can sign into the Disney Plus app using the same login, or access Disney Plus through the YouTube TV app. You do not need to create a separate Disney account.

Can I cancel Disney Plus without canceling YouTube TV?

Yes. If you add Disney Plus as an add-on to YouTube TV, you can remove it from your account settings without affecting your YouTube TV subscription. Your YouTube TV service will continue as normal, and you will stop being charged for Disney Plus the next billing cycle.