YouTube TV Premium is a separate paid add-on, not included in your base subscription
YouTube TV's standard plan does not include YouTube Premium. They are two different services with different costs. YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that carries cable channels, sports, and news. YouTube Premium is a separate subscription that removes ads from YouTube videos, lets you read videos to watch offline, and gives you access to YouTube Music Premium.
If you want both services, you pay for both. Some people bundle them together for convenience, but YouTube does not automatically include Premium with a TV subscription, and the base TV plan works fine without it.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are separate subscriptions with separate monthly fees.
- YouTube TV gives you live cable channels and on-demand shows; YouTube Premium removes ads from YouTube videos and includes offline downloads.
- You can use YouTube TV without Premium, and you can use YouTube Premium without YouTube TV.
- If you want both, you can add Premium to your YouTube TV account, but you will pay for each service independently.
What YouTube TV includes on its own
YouTube TV's base subscription covers live channels from major networks and cable providers. You get ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Food Network, and dozens of others depending on your location. The service also includes cloud DVR storage so you can record shows and watch them later, and you can stream on multiple devices at the same time (the number depends on your plan).
YouTube TV does show ads during live TV and on-demand content, just like cable does. You can fast-forward through recorded shows, but you cannot skip ads during live broadcasts. This is the standard experience, and it works the same way whether or not you have YouTube Premium.
What YouTube Premium adds and costs
YouTube Premium removes ads from YouTube videos—the short videos you watch on YouTube.com and the YouTube app, not the live TV channels. It also lets you read videos to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection. Premium members get background play, which means you can close the YouTube app and keep listening to music or podcasts.
YouTube Premium costs a separate monthly fee. The price varies by country and changes over time, so check YouTube's pricing page for your current rate. If you already have YouTube TV, you can add Premium to the same account, but you will see two separate charges on your bill each month.
How to add Premium to your YouTube TV account
If you decide you want Premium, you can add it through your YouTube account settings. Go to your account, select "Purchases and memberships," and look for the option to add YouTube Premium. You can also start a free trial of Premium to test it before you commit to paying.
Once you add Premium, it applies to your entire YouTube account, not just the YouTube TV part. Any videos you watch on YouTube.com or the YouTube app will be ad-free, and you will have access to offline downloads and background play across all your devices.
The difference between YouTube TV ads and YouTube Premium ads
YouTube TV shows ads during live broadcasts and some on-demand content because that is how cable TV works—the networks sell ad time to sponsors. YouTube Premium does not remove these ads from YouTube TV. Premium only removes ads from YouTube videos (the short-form content on YouTube.com).
If you want to watch YouTube TV without any ads at all, there is no option for that. The ads come from the networks and channels themselves, not from YouTube's ad system. YouTube Premium is designed for the YouTube video platform, not for the live TV service.
Whether you need Premium depends on your habits
If you mainly use YouTube TV to watch live sports, news, and cable shows, you probably do not need Premium. You will see ads, but that is normal for live TV. Premium is worth considering if you spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos (music videos, tutorials, vlogs, clips) and want to remove ads from that experience.
Some people find that Premium's offline read feature is useful if they travel or have spotty internet. Others mainly want it for the ad-free experience. Think about how much time you actually spend on YouTube videos versus YouTube TV before you add the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube TV come with a free trial of Premium?
YouTube TV and YouTube Premium have separate free trials. When you sign up for YouTube TV, you may get a trial of the TV service itself, but that does not include Premium. You can start a Premium trial separately through your account settings if you want to test it.
Can I use YouTube TV without Premium?
Yes. YouTube TV works completely on its own without Premium. You will see ads during live broadcasts and some on-demand content, but the service functions normally. Many people use YouTube TV for years without ever adding Premium.
If I cancel YouTube Premium, do I lose YouTube TV?
No. Canceling Premium only removes the Premium features from your YouTube account. Your YouTube TV subscription continues as normal, and you keep watching live channels and recorded shows the same way you did before.
Does YouTube Premium remove ads from YouTube TV's on-demand shows?
No. YouTube Premium only removes ads from YouTube videos on YouTube.com and the YouTube app. It does not affect ads on YouTube TV's live channels or on-demand content from cable networks. Those ads come from the networks themselves.
Can I share YouTube Premium with my YouTube TV household members?
YouTube Premium is tied to a single account, so only the person who pays for it gets the ad-free experience and offline downloads. Other household members on your YouTube TV plan can watch the same channels and recordings, but they will see ads on YouTube videos unless they have their own Premium subscription.