YouTube works on almost any device with internet and a web browser or the YouTube app

You can watch YouTube on your phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, gaming console, or streaming device. The easiest route depends on what you already own and where you want to watch. YouTube's free version shows ads; YouTube Premium removes ads and adds offline viewing and background play, but costs money each month.

The YouTube app is available on iOS and Android phones, and you can also watch through your phone's web browser by going to youtube.com. On computers, you watch through any web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — without needing to install anything. Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and most other brands have YouTube built in, or you can add it through a streaming device.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices without paying anything, though ads play during videos.
  • The YouTube app on your phone or tablet offers the same free content as the website, plus the option to read videos for offline viewing if you pay for YouTube Premium.
  • Smart TVs usually have YouTube pre-installed, but if yours does not, a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast device will add it for under $50.
  • YouTube Premium costs money but removes ads, lets you play videos in the background, and saves videos to watch later without internet.

Watching on your phone or tablet

read the YouTube app from the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android phones and tablets). Open the app, search for a channel or video title, and tap to play. You do not need to sign in to watch, though signing in with a Google account lets you save videos to a Watch Later list and see your viewing history.

If you do not want to install the app, open youtube.com in Safari, Chrome, or your phone's default browser. The mobile website works the same way as the app. On phones, the app is usually faster and easier because it fills the screen better and remembers where you left off in a video.

Watching on a computer

Go to youtube.com in any web browser. Search the video title or channel name in the search box at the top, or scroll through the home feed to find videos YouTube thinks you might like. Click any video to play it full-screen. You can adjust video quality by clicking the settings icon (three dots) in the bottom right corner of the player.

On a computer, you can also use YouTube in a browser window while doing other things — checking email, reading articles, or working in other tabs. If you sign in with your Google account, YouTube saves your watch history and recommendations based on what you have watched before.

Watching on a smart TV

Most smart TVs made in the last five years have YouTube built in. Look for the YouTube app in your TV's app store or home menu. If you do not see it, go to your TV's app store (called different names depending on the brand — Samsung calls it Samsung TV Plus, LG calls it LG Content Store), search for YouTube, and install it.

Once YouTube is on your TV, open the app and sign in with your Google account. You can then search for videos using your TV remote or by connecting a wireless keyboard. YouTube on a TV plays videos in high quality if your internet connection is fast enough, and you can cast videos from your phone to your TV by tapping the cast icon in the YouTube app on your phone.

Watching on a streaming device

If your TV does not have YouTube built in, or if you want YouTube on an older TV, a streaming device adds it. The most common options are Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast. All of these cost between $25 and $100 depending on the model, and all have YouTube available.

Plug the device into your TV's HDMI port and your power outlet, then follow the setup steps on your screen. Once set up, find YouTube in the app menu, install it, and sign in with your Google account. Streaming devices also let you cast from your phone — if you have the YouTube app on your phone, you can tap the cast icon and send a video to your TV without using the TV remote.

Watching on a gaming console

PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X all have YouTube available. Go to your console's app store, search for YouTube, and install it. Sign in with your Google account and search for videos the same way you would on a TV.

Gaming consoles are not the fastest way to watch YouTube because their menus are designed for games, not video streaming. But if you already have a console connected to your TV, YouTube is there without buying anything extra.

Understanding YouTube Premium and what it adds

YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that removes ads from all videos, lets you play videos in the background (so you can close the app and keep listening), and lets you read videos to watch later without internet. It costs about $14 a month for a standard account, though the price varies by country and YouTube sometimes offers discounts for the first month.

YouTube Premium works on all devices — phone, tablet, computer, TV, and streaming devices — once you sign in with the account that has the subscription. If you share your YouTube account with family members, you can add them to a family plan for about $23 a month, which gives up to six people Premium on their own accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to watch YouTube?

No. YouTube is free on all devices and shows ads during videos. YouTube Premium removes ads and adds features like background play and offline downloads, but the basic service costs nothing.

Can I watch YouTube offline?

Only with YouTube Premium. The Premium subscription lets you read videos on your phone or tablet to watch later without internet. The free version requires an internet connection to play videos.

What is the best device to watch YouTube on?

It depends on what you own and where you want to watch. A phone or tablet is best for watching on the go. A computer is best for watching while you work. A smart TV or streaming device is best for watching with other people or on a larger screen.

Can I watch YouTube on my old TV?

Yes, if you connect a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chromecast. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and add YouTube and other apps. They cost between $25 and $100.

Can I cast YouTube from my phone to my TV?

Yes. Open the YouTube app on your phone, tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a WiFi symbol), and select your TV or streaming device. The video will play on your TV while you control it from your phone.