Multiview lets you watch up to four channels at once on one screen

Multiview is a YouTube TV feature that splits your screen into separate windows so you can watch multiple channels simultaneously. You can arrange the layout however you want—two channels side by side, three in a row with one larger, or four equal squares. This is useful during live sports when games overlap, breaking news events, or when household members want to watch different things without fighting over the remote.

Multiview works on most devices where YouTube TV is available, though some older devices and mobile phones have limitations. The feature is included with your YouTube TV membership at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Multiview is built into YouTube TV and works on most devices including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and web browsers, but not on phones or tablets.
  • You start Multiview by selecting a channel, then pressing a dedicated button or menu option to add more channels to the screen.
  • You can rearrange which channel appears in which window and resize the layout to make one channel larger than the others.
  • Multiview pauses when you start recording or switch to a single-channel view, and you cannot use it with DVR playback or on-demand content.

How to turn on Multiview on different devices

On Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV, start by opening YouTube TV and selecting any live channel. Once a channel is playing, look for a button labeled "Multiview" or an icon showing multiple squares. Press it, and a second channel will appear on screen. You can then add a third and fourth channel using the same button. The exact location of this button varies slightly by device—on Roku it often appears in the top menu, while on Fire TV it may be in the side panel.

On Chromecast with Google TV, select a live channel and look for the Multiview option in the top menu bar. Press it to add additional channels. On web browsers (desktop or laptop), open YouTube TV, select a channel, and click the Multiview icon that appears in the player controls—it looks like four small squares.

On phones and tablets, Multiview is not available. YouTube TV's mobile app does not support this feature, so you will need to use a TV-connected device or computer to access it.

Choosing and arranging your channels

Once Multiview is active, each window on your screen shows a different live channel. To change which channel appears in a particular window, click or select that window and then choose a new channel from the guide. You can swap channels between windows as many times as you want without closing Multiview.

Most devices let you choose your layout. Common options include a 2x2 grid (four equal squares), a 2+1 layout (two channels on top, one larger channel below), or a 1+3 layout (one large channel on the left, three smaller ones stacked on the right). The layout options depend on your device and how many channels you are watching. Select the layout icon in the Multiview menu to see what arrangements are available.

You can also resize individual windows by dragging their borders. This is helpful if you want to focus more attention on one game while keeping an eye on another. The resizing options vary by device—some allow free resizing, while others offer preset layout options only.

What happens when you record or pause

If you start recording a show while using Multiview, the feature will close and return to single-channel view. The recording will proceed normally in the background. Once the recording is finished, you can turn Multiview back on if you want to continue watching multiple channels.

Multiview also closes if you pause, rewind, or fast-forward any channel. This is because Multiview only works with live television. If you need to pause one channel to catch up on something else, you will exit Multiview temporarily. You can turn it back on once you resume live playback.

Multiview does not work with DVR content or on-demand shows

Multiview is designed for live channels only. You cannot use it to watch recorded shows from your DVR library or on-demand content like movies or past episodes. If you select a recorded program or on-demand title while in Multiview, the feature will close and switch to single-channel playback.

This limitation exists because DVR and on-demand content can be paused, rewound, and fast-forwarded independently, which would create confusion if multiple windows were playing at different points in the same show. Live channels, by contrast, all play in real time, making it practical to watch several at once.

Troubleshooting Multiview problems

If the Multiview button does not appear, check that you are watching a live channel. Multiview will not set up for recorded content, on-demand shows, or paused channels. Also confirm that your device supports Multiview—older Roku models, some Fire TV devices, and certain Chromecast versions may not have this feature.

If Multiview closes unexpectedly, you may have accidentally pressed a button that paused or rewound a channel. Restart Multiview by selecting the Multiview button again. If your internet connection is weak, Multiview may also close to prevent buffering issues. Try moving closer to your router or checking your connection speed.

On web browsers, make sure your browser is up to date. Older versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari may not support Multiview. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can also resolve display issues. If problems persist, try using a different browser or switching to a TV-connected device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Multiview on my phone or tablet?

No. Multiview is not available on YouTube TV's mobile app for phones or tablets. You can only use it on TV-connected devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV, or on a web browser on a computer or laptop.

Can I watch four different channels at once with Multiview?

Yes. Multiview supports up to four channels on screen at the same time. You can arrange them in different layouts—four equal squares, one large and three small, or other combinations depending on your device.

What if I want to watch one channel full screen while using Multiview?

Click or select any window in Multiview and choose the full-screen option. This will expand that channel to fill the entire screen and close Multiview. You can turn Multiview back on whenever you want to return to the multi-channel view.

Does Multiview work with YouTube TV's cloud DVR?

No. Multiview only works with live channels. If you try to watch a recorded show from your DVR library, Multiview will close and switch to single-channel playback. You can use Multiview again once you return to live television.

Why did Multiview close when I paused a channel?

Multiview only works with live playback. Pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding any channel will close Multiview and return you to single-channel view. Resume live playback to use Multiview again.