YouTube is free on most devices; YouTube TV is a paid subscription service
YouTube is Google's free video platform. You watch it through a web browser on a computer, or through the YouTube app on phones, tablets, and smart TVs. You do not pay to use it, though you will see ads unless you pay for YouTube Premium (a separate subscription).
YouTube TV is a different product — a live TV streaming service that costs money each month. It includes cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and local broadcast stations, plus the ability to record shows. If you arrived here from the YouTube TV section, you are looking at how to sign up for that paid service, not the free YouTube platform.
This guide covers how to get both, and what the differences mean for what you can watch and how much you pay.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube is free and works on any device with a web browser or the YouTube app, which you can read from your device's app store.
- YouTube TV is a paid monthly subscription ($72.99 as of 2024, though prices vary by region and change over time) that requires you to create a Google account and sign up through the YouTube TV website or app.
- You need a Google account for both services, and you can create one for free at google.com if you do not already have one.
- YouTube TV requires a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance) and works on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible smart TVs.
- Both services let you sign in on multiple devices, but YouTube TV limits simultaneous streams depending on your plan.
Getting YouTube on your computer or phone
On a computer, go to youtube.com in any web browser. You do not need to sign in to watch videos, but signing in with a Google account lets you save videos to a playlist, subscribe to channels, and see your watch history.
On a phone or tablet, read the YouTube app from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android devices). Open the app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap "Sign in" if you are not already logged in. Enter your Google account email and password. Once signed in, you can search for videos, subscribe to channels, and create playlists.
If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at google.com. You will need an email address (you can use any email provider) and a password you create yourself.
Getting YouTube on your smart TV or streaming device
Most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Android TV) have the YouTube app built in or available in their app store. On your TV remote, look for an app store or home screen menu. Search for "YouTube" and select it, then tap "Install" or "read." Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Google account.
If your TV does not have YouTube built in, you can use a streaming device: a Roku stick, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port. read the YouTube app from that device's app store, then sign in with your Google account.
You can also cast YouTube from your phone to a compatible smart TV without installing an app. Open YouTube on your phone, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a WiFi symbol), select your TV, and the video will play on your TV screen while you control it from your phone.
Signing up for YouTube TV
Go to tv.youtube.com on a computer or open the YouTube TV app on your phone or smart TV. Tap "Sign up" or "Start your free trial" (YouTube TV usually offers a trial period, though the length varies). Sign in with your Google account or create a new one if you do not have one yet.
Enter your billing address and a valid payment method: a credit card, debit card, or Google Play balance. YouTube TV will charge your payment method each month on the same date you signed up. You can change or cancel your subscription anytime through your account settings.
Once your subscription is active, you can sign in on up to six devices. However, you can only watch on one or two devices at the same time, depending on your plan — check the YouTube TV website for current limits, as these change.
What you need before you start
For YouTube (free): a device with internet access and either a web browser or the ability to read apps. You do not need a Google account to watch, but you will need one to save videos or subscribe to channels.
For YouTube TV (paid): a Google account, a valid payment method (credit or debit card, or Google Play balance), and your billing address. You also need a device that supports YouTube TV — most phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs work, but some older devices do not. Check the YouTube TV website to see if your device is supported before you sign up.
Both services require an internet connection. YouTube TV needs a faster connection than regular YouTube — Google recommends at least 3 Mbps for one stream and 35 Mbps if you want to watch on multiple devices at once.
Differences between YouTube and YouTube TV
YouTube is on-demand video — you search for what you want and watch it whenever you choose. YouTube TV is live television — you get cable channels and local broadcast stations on a schedule, plus the ability to record shows to watch later. YouTube has music videos, tutorials, news clips, and user-uploaded content. YouTube TV has news networks, sports, entertainment channels, and local stations.
YouTube is free with ads, or $13.99 per month for YouTube Premium (no ads, offline downloads, background play). YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month as of 2024, though prices vary by region and may change. YouTube Premium and YouTube TV are separate subscriptions — you can have one, both, or neither.
If you want to watch live sports, news, or cable channels on a schedule, YouTube TV is what you need. If you want to watch videos on demand whenever you choose, YouTube is what you need.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you cannot sign in, make sure you are using the correct email address and password for your Google account. If you forgot your password, go to accounts.google.com, click "Sign in," then click "Forgot password?" and follow the steps to reset it. If you do not have a Google account yet, create one at google.com before trying to sign in to YouTube or YouTube TV.
If the YouTube app will not read on your phone, make sure you have enough storage space and that your device's operating system is up to date. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, go to Settings > System > System Update. Then try downloading the app again.
If YouTube TV says your device is not supported, your device may be too old or may not meet the minimum requirements. Check the YouTube TV website for a list of compatible devices. You can also try signing in on a different device, like a computer or a newer phone.
If you are having trouble with your internet connection, YouTube TV will not work well. Run a speed test at speedtest.net to see your connection speed. If it is below 3 Mbps, contact your internet provider about upgrading your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to watch YouTube?
No. YouTube is free and does not require a payment method. You only need a credit card if you want to pay for YouTube Premium (no ads) or YouTube TV (live channels). You can watch regular YouTube with ads at no cost.
Can I use the same Google account on multiple devices?
Yes. You can sign in to YouTube on as many devices as you want. For YouTube TV, you can sign in on up to six devices, but you can only watch on one or two at the same time depending on your plan. Check your YouTube TV account settings to see how many simultaneous streams your plan allows.
What happens if I cancel YouTube TV?
Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle. You will lose access to YouTube TV, but your Google account and any YouTube playlists or subscriptions remain. You can sign up again anytime. YouTube TV does not charge you early if you cancel mid-month.
Can I watch YouTube TV without a smart TV?
Yes. You can watch on a computer at tv.youtube.com, on a phone or tablet through the YouTube TV app, or on any streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick. You do not need a smart TV, though a smart TV makes it easier to watch on your living room screen.
Is YouTube TV available everywhere in the United States?
YouTube TV is available in most of the United States, but coverage varies by location because of local broadcast rights. When you sign up, YouTube TV will tell you which local channels are available in your area based on your billing address. Check the YouTube TV website to see if service is available where you live before you sign up.