The fastest way to find new channels is to browse YouTube TV's channel guide or search by name
YouTube TV shows you channels in two main places: the channel guide, which lists everything available in your area, and the search bar at the top of the app or website. If you know the channel name, search for it directly—YouTube TV will show you whether it's included in your plan. If you're browsing to discover channels you didn't know about, the channel guide organizes them by category (News, Sports, Entertainment, Kids) so you can scroll through what's available without searching.
The channel guide updates when you add or remove channels from your library, and YouTube TV remembers which ones you've marked as favorites. This means your home screen can show only the channels you watch most, while the full guide remains available whenever you want to explore.
Key Takeaways
- Search by channel name in the search bar to find a specific channel and see if it's included in your plan.
- Use the channel guide to browse by category—News, Sports, Entertainment, Kids, and others—without knowing what you're looking for.
- Star or favorite channels you want to watch regularly so they appear on your home screen.
- YouTube TV's available channels vary by location, so a channel available in one area may not be in another.
- You can add or remove channels from your library at any time without changing your subscription plan.
How to search for a specific channel by name
Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV device and look for the search icon—usually a magnifying glass at the top of the screen. Type the channel name (for example, "ESPN" or "HBO") and YouTube TV will show you results. If the channel is part of your plan, it will appear with a play button or an option to add it to your library. If the channel is not available in your area or not included in YouTube TV, you'll see a message saying it's unavailable.
Some channels have similar names, so YouTube TV shows you the logo and a brief description to make sure you're selecting the right one. Once you find the channel you want, tap or click to add it to your library, and it will appear in your channel list when ready.
Browsing the channel guide by category
The channel guide organizes all available channels into sections like News, Sports, Entertainment, Kids, Movies, and Lifestyle. To access it, look for a "Browse" or "Channels" button on your home screen—the exact location depends on which device you're using. Scroll through each category to see what's offered, and tap any channel to preview it or add it to your library.
This method works well when you want to discover channels you didn't know existed or when you're not sure what you're looking for. For example, browsing the News category might show you local news channels, national networks, and international news sources all in one place. You can add as many channels as you want without paying extra—they're all part of your YouTube TV plan.
Starring channels so they appear on your home screen
Once you add a channel to your library, you can mark it as a favorite by tapping the star icon next to its name. Starred channels appear in a separate section on your home screen, making them easier to find when you open YouTube TV. This is useful if you watch certain channels regularly but don't want to scroll through your entire library every time.
You can star or unstar channels at any time. If you change your mind about a channel, straightforward tap the star again to remove it from your favorites, or remove it from your library entirely by selecting the option to delete it. Your home screen updates when ready to reflect these changes.
Understanding regional availability and plan differences
YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by location within the United States. A channel available in New York might not be available in Los Angeles, especially for local news and regional sports networks. When you search for a channel, YouTube TV shows you only what's available in your area based on your account location.
All YouTube TV plans include the same channels—there are no different tiers that unlock more channels. If a channel isn't showing up in your search or guide, it's either not available in your region or YouTube TV doesn't carry it at all. You can check YouTube TV's website or contact their support team to confirm whether a specific channel is available where you live.
Adding and removing channels from your library
Your library is the list of channels you've chosen to keep in your account. You can add channels by searching for them or browsing the guide, and you can remove them just as easily. To remove a channel, find it in your library, tap or click the menu icon (usually three dots), and select "Remove from library." The channel disappears from your list but remains available in the channel guide if you want to add it back later.
Removing a channel doesn't change your subscription cost or plan—YouTube TV charges the same amount regardless of how many channels you keep in your library. This means you can customize your channel list to show only what you actually watch, keeping your home screen clean and organized.
What to do if you can't find a channel you're looking for
If you search for a channel and it doesn't appear, there are a few reasons why. The channel might not be available in your region, YouTube TV might not carry it, or it might be listed under a different name than you expect. For example, some channels go by their call letters (like "WNBC") in some areas and their brand name in others.
Try searching for variations of the channel name, or browse the relevant category to see if it appears there. If you still can't find it, YouTube TV's support page lists all available channels by region, and you can contact their support team to confirm whether a specific channel is offered in your area. Some channels are added or removed periodically, so checking the support page gives you the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add channels to YouTube TV without paying extra?
Yes. All channels available in your area are included in your YouTube TV plan at no additional cost. You can add or remove as many channels as you want from your library without changing your subscription price.
Why is a channel I'm looking for not showing up in my search?
The channel might not be available in your region, or YouTube TV might not carry it. Try searching for alternate names or browsing the relevant category. YouTube TV's support page lists all available channels by location if you want to verify whether a specific channel is offered where you live.
Do I lose my starred channels if I remove them from my library?
Yes. If you remove a channel from your library, it's no longer starred or visible on your home screen. You can add it back at any time by searching for it or finding it in the channel guide, and you can star it again then.
How often does YouTube TV add new channels?
YouTube TV adds and removes channels periodically, though the frequency varies. Your channel guide always shows the current lineup available in your area. Check YouTube TV's support page or contact their team if you want to know about recent changes to the channel lineup.