You can watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV through the channel that broadcasts it that year
The Super Bowl airs on one of the major broadcast networks — CBS, NBC, Fox, or ABC — depending on which network has the rights that season. YouTube TV includes all four of these channels in its base package, so you can tune in on game day without paying extra. The broadcast is live, and YouTube TV's cloud DVR lets you record it if you cannot watch at kickoff.
To watch, you log into your YouTube TV account on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV — find the channel carrying the game, and select it. The Super Bowl typically starts in the evening on a Sunday in early February, though the exact date and kickoff time change year to year.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV's base package includes CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC, which means you do not need an add-on subscription to watch the Super Bowl.
- The Super Bowl broadcasts live on whichever network holds the rights that year, and you can find it by searching the channel guide or scrolling to the correct network.
- You can watch on any device connected to your YouTube TV account — phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device connected to your TV.
- YouTube TV's cloud DVR records programs automatically, so you can save the game and watch it later if you miss the live broadcast.
Finding the Super Bowl in the YouTube TV channel guide
Open YouTube TV and look at the channel guide or search bar at the top of the screen. Type "Super Bowl" into the search box, and the broadcast will appear in the results with the date and start time. Alternatively, navigate directly to the channel airing the game — if it is on CBS that year, open the CBS channel and look for the Super Bowl listing in the schedule.
YouTube TV displays upcoming programs in the guide, so you can see the Super Bowl listed several days before game day. Clicking on the listing shows you the full broadcast details, including the exact kickoff time in your time zone and whether pre-game coverage starts earlier.
Watching on different devices
YouTube TV works on phones and tablets through the YouTube TV app, which you read from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. On a computer, go to tv.youtube.com and log in with your account. To watch on your television, you need a compatible streaming device — Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, or Samsung Smart TV — and the YouTube TV app installed on that device.
The picture quality depends on your internet connection. YouTube TV streams at up to 4K resolution if your device supports it and your internet speed is fast enough, though most viewers see 1080p or 720p. The app automatically adjusts quality based on your connection, so you should not experience buffering during the game if your internet is stable.
Using cloud DVR to record the Super Bowl
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage with every subscription, which means you can record the Super Bowl without using up space or paying extra. When you find the Super Bowl in the channel guide, click the record button (usually a circle with a dot or a plus sign, depending on your device). The system records the entire broadcast automatically.
After the game airs, go to your Library in YouTube TV and select the Super Bowl recording. You can watch it anytime within nine months — YouTube TV keeps cloud recordings for that long. Fast-forward and rewind work normally, so you can skip commercials or replay key moments.
What to do if you miss the start time
If you cannot watch at kickoff, you have two options: watch your cloud DVR recording, or tune in to the live broadcast later and watch from the beginning. YouTube TV lets you start a live program from the start even if it is already in progress. Open the channel airing the Super Bowl, and you will see an option to "Start from the beginning" or "Watch from start" — select that, and the broadcast plays from the opening moments.
This feature works because YouTube TV buffers the live stream, so even though the game is happening in real time, you can rewind to the start. The delay is usually a few minutes, so you will not be completely behind if you are chatting with friends watching live.
Internet speed and streaming quality
YouTube TV recommends at least 3 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition and 7 Mbps for high definition. Most home internet connections meet these speeds, but if you live in an area with slower service or share your connection with many people, you may see lower quality or occasional buffering during the game.
Test your connection speed before game day using a free tool like Speedtest.net. If your speed is below 3 Mbps, contact your internet provider about upgrading, or move closer to your router to improve the signal. Closing other apps and pausing any downloads on other devices also helps YouTube TV get the bandwidth it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube TV subscription to watch the Super Bowl?
Yes, you need an active YouTube TV subscription. The Super Bowl itself does not cost extra — it is included in the base package — but you must be a subscriber to access any of the channels carrying it.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV if I am traveling?
Yes, as long as you have internet access. YouTube TV works anywhere you can log in, including hotels, vacation homes, and other countries. You can watch live or use your cloud DVR recording from anywhere.
What if the Super Bowl is blacked out in my area?
The Super Bowl is not subject to local blackout rules, so you will be able to watch it regardless of where you live. All YouTube TV subscribers in the United States can access the broadcast on the network airing it.
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV without a cable login?
You do not need a cable login. YouTube TV is a standalone streaming service, so your YouTube TV account is all you need. You do not have to be a cable customer to subscribe.
How much does YouTube TV cost?
YouTube TV pricing varies and changes periodically. Visit tv.youtube.com to see the current subscription price and what channels are included in your area.