ABC availability on YouTube TV depends on your location and your local ABC affiliate

YouTube TV does not carry ABC in every market. The network is available through YouTube TV in some cities but not others, depending on whether your local ABC affiliate has signed a carriage agreement with Google. This is the same reason you might have ESPN but not Fox Sports 1, or vice versa — each local broadcaster negotiates separately with streaming services.

If you cannot find ABC on your YouTube TV channel list, the most likely reason is that your local ABC station has not agreed to distribute through YouTube TV. This is a business decision made between the broadcaster and Google, not a technical problem on your end. You can check whether ABC is available in your specific zip code by opening YouTube TV, going to your account settings, and confirming your location.

ABC's parent company, Disney, owns the network but does not control every local affiliate's streaming choices. Your local ABC station — the one that broadcasts the evening news and local weather — is often owned by a different company and makes its own deals with streaming platforms. Some ABC affiliates have chosen YouTube TV; others have not.

Key Takeaways

  • ABC is available on YouTube TV in some markets but not all, because local ABC affiliates negotiate their own carriage agreements with Google.
  • You can check whether ABC is available in your zip code by opening YouTube TV and confirming your location in account settings.
  • If ABC is not available, you can watch ABC shows through the ABC app or website using your cable, satellite, or streaming login from another service.
  • Some local ABC affiliates offer free streaming of local news and programming directly through their own websites or apps.
  • YouTube TV's channel lineup changes as new agreements are signed, so a channel unavailable today may become available later.

How to check if ABC is available in your location

Open the YouTube TV app or website and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Location" or "Zip Code" and confirm that the address shown is correct. YouTube TV uses this information to determine which local channels — including ABC — are available to you.

If your location is set correctly and ABC does not appear in your channel list, it is not available through YouTube TV in your area. You can also visit YouTube TV's channel guide online and search for ABC; if it shows as unavailable, that confirms your local affiliate has not signed on.

Watch ABC shows without YouTube TV

The ABC app and ABC.com both stream full episodes of ABC shows, including live broadcasts of sports and news. You will need to sign in with a cable, satellite, or streaming service login — YouTube TV counts as a valid login. If you do not have YouTube TV or another may have access to service, you can still watch some ABC content for free on the ABC app, though full episodes and live streams usually require a login.

Your local ABC affiliate may also stream local news and programming directly through its own website or mobile app, often at no cost. Search for "[your city] ABC news" to find your local station's streaming options. Many ABC affiliates offer live streams of their evening and morning newscasts this way.

Why some ABC affiliates are not on YouTube TV

Carriage negotiations between broadcasters and streaming services are complex and often contentious. YouTube TV and local ABC affiliates must agree on payment terms, which channels to include, and what content can be streamed. If the two sides cannot reach a deal, the channel does not appear on the service.

These negotiations happen regularly and can take months. A channel may be unavailable for weeks or months, then suddenly appear once a new agreement is signed. Conversely, a channel that was available may disappear if an agreement expires and is not renewed. This is why YouTube TV's channel lineup changes throughout the year.

What to do if you need ABC and YouTube TV does not have it

If ABC is essential to you and it is not available on YouTube TV in your area, you have several options. You can use the ABC app or website with a login from another service you already have. You can watch through your local ABC affiliate's website or app. Or you can switch to a different streaming service that carries ABC in your market — Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV's main competitor, carries ABC in most markets.

Before switching services, check whether the alternative service carries all the other channels you watch. YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV have different channel lineups, and neither carries every channel in every location. Compare their channel lists for your zip code before making a change.

When YouTube TV's ABC availability might change

YouTube TV negotiates carriage agreements with broadcasters on an ongoing basis. If ABC is not available in your area now, it may become available in the future if Google and your local ABC affiliate reach a new agreement. Conversely, if ABC is currently available, it could become unavailable if an agreement expires.

You can check YouTube TV's official blog or support pages for announcements about channel changes. YouTube TV typically notifies users when a major channel is added or removed, though the notice may come only a few days before the change takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch ABC on YouTube TV if I travel to a different state?

YouTube TV uses your current location to determine which local channels you can watch. If you travel, your available channels may change based on your new location. You can watch out-of-market ABC content through the ABC app or website if you have a valid login.

Does YouTube TV have ABC in major cities like New York or Los Angeles?

ABC availability varies by city and is not may provide in major markets. You must check your specific zip code in YouTube TV's settings to know whether your local ABC affiliate is available. Some large cities have ABC; others do not.

If I call YouTube TV support, can they add ABC to my account?

No. YouTube TV support cannot add a channel that is not available in your location. The decision to carry ABC rests with your local ABC affiliate and Google's negotiations. Support can confirm whether ABC is available in your area and suggest alternatives.

Will YouTube TV ever have ABC in my area?

It is possible but not may provide. Carriage agreements are negotiated between YouTube TV and individual ABC affiliates. If your local affiliate has not signed on, there is no way to predict whether they will in the future. You can check YouTube TV's support pages periodically for updates.

Can I use a VPN to watch ABC on YouTube TV from a different location?

YouTube TV's terms of service prohibit using a VPN to access channels outside your home location. Using a VPN to bypass location restrictions may result in your account being suspended or terminated. Stick to the ABC app, ABC.com, or your local affiliate's streaming options instead.