Multiview lets you watch up to four channels at the same time 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 display two, three, or four channels at once, depending on your device and what you're watching. This is useful during sports seasons when games overlap, or when you want to monitor several news feeds or events happening at the same time.

Multiview works on most devices where YouTube TV is available, though some limitations explore depending on whether you're using a phone, tablet, computer, or TV device. The feature is included with your YouTube TV membership at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Multiview is available on phones, tablets, computers, and some TV devices, but not all devices support the full four-window layout.
  • You set up Multiview by opening YouTube TV, selecting a channel, and tapping or clicking the Multiview icon (usually a grid or split-screen symbol).
  • You can add up to four channels to your Multiview layout by selecting additional channels from the guide or search.
  • On phones and tablets, you may only see two channels at a time due to screen size, but you can swipe to rotate through different channel combinations.
  • Audio from one channel plays at a time — you choose which window's sound you hear by tapping or clicking that window.

How to turn on Multiview on different devices

On a phone or tablet, open YouTube TV and select any channel to watch. Look for the Multiview icon — it usually looks like a grid or four squares — in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it to set up Multiview. The screen will split to show two channels side by side. To add more channels, tap the plus icon in one of the empty windows and search for or select another channel from your library.

On a computer or web browser, the process is similar. Open YouTube TV, select a channel, and look for the Multiview button in the top right corner of the video player. Click it to split the screen. You can then add additional channels by clicking the plus icon in the blank windows. Most browsers will show you up to four channels at once on a desktop screen.

On a TV device (such as a Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV), open YouTube TV and select a channel. Use your remote to navigate to the Multiview icon and select it. The exact location and appearance of the button varies by device, but it is usually near the top of the screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to add additional channels.

Adding and removing channels from your Multiview layout

Once Multiview is active, you will see one or more blank windows depending on your device. To add a channel, tap or click the plus icon in a blank window. A search box or channel guide will appear. Type the channel name or number, or scroll through your available channels and select the one you want to add.

You can rearrange the channels in your layout by dragging and dropping them to different windows on some devices. To remove a channel, tap or click the X button in the corner of that window. You can change your layout at any time without leaving Multiview — just add or remove channels as needed.

If you want to focus on one channel, you can expand it to full screen by tapping or clicking that window. To return to Multiview, tap or click the Multiview icon again or use the back button on your device.

Understanding audio and control in Multiview

When you have multiple channels on screen, only one audio stream plays at a time. To choose which channel's sound you hear, tap or click the window of the channel you want to listen to. That window will highlight or show a speaker icon, indicating it is the active audio source. You can switch the audio between windows as often as you like without interrupting playback.

Each window has its own playback controls. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward one channel without affecting the others. However, some channels may not support rewinding or fast-forwarding depending on whether they are live broadcasts or on-demand content. Live sports and news channels typically do not allow rewinding.

Device limitations and screen size considerations

Multiview works best on larger screens. On a phone, you may only see two channels at a time because of limited screen space. On a tablet, you might see two or three channels depending on the tablet's size and orientation. On a computer monitor or TV screen, you can typically view all four channels simultaneously.

If your device shows only two channels but you want to see more, you can swipe left or right (on phones and tablets) to rotate through different combinations of channels. For example, if you have four channels selected, swiping might show you channels 1 and 2, then channels 3 and 4, then channels 1 and 3, and so on.

Some older TV devices or less common platforms may not support Multiview at all. If you do not see the Multiview icon on your device, check that your YouTube TV app is up to date. You can update it through your device's app store or settings menu.

Troubleshooting Multiview problems

If Multiview is not appearing or not working, first check that you are using a supported device. Multiview is available on most phones, tablets, computers, and modern TV devices, but not all. Make sure your YouTube TV app is the latest version by checking your device's app store.

If the Multiview icon is grayed out or disabled, it may be because you are watching a channel that does not support the feature. Some premium or restricted content cannot be displayed in Multiview. Try selecting a different channel and activating Multiview again.

If channels are freezing, buffering, or dropping out of Multiview, your internet connection may not be fast enough to stream multiple channels at once. YouTube TV recommends a connection speed of at least 3 Mbps per stream. If you are streaming four channels, you may need 12 Mbps or higher. Try reducing the number of channels in your layout or moving closer to your router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save a Multiview layout so I don't have to set it up every time?

YouTube TV does not currently offer a saved Multiview preset feature. Each time you set up Multiview, you will need to add the channels you want to watch. However, the process is quick — it usually takes only a few seconds to select your channels once Multiview is on.

Does Multiview work with DVR recordings and on-demand shows?

Yes, Multiview works with both live channels and on-demand content. You can mix live broadcasts with recorded shows or movies in your layout. Keep in mind that you can only rewind or fast-forward on-demand content; live channels cannot be rewound unless they are being recorded to your DVR.

What internet speed do I need to use Multiview without buffering?

YouTube TV recommends at least 3 Mbps per stream. For four channels in Multiview, aim for 12 Mbps or higher. If you experience buffering, try using fewer channels, moving closer to your router, or reducing video quality in your YouTube TV settings.

Can I use Multiview on two different devices at the same time?

Your YouTube TV account allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, but Multiview is a feature within a single device. You cannot set up Multiview on one device and have it mirror to another. However, you can watch different channels on different devices at the same time using your account.

Why does Multiview only show two channels on my phone?

Phone screens are smaller than tablets and computers, so YouTube TV limits the display to two channels at a time to keep them readable. You can swipe left or right to cycle through different pairs of channels if you have more than two selected. For a full four-channel view, use a tablet, computer, or TV device.