YouTube transforms our mobile devices into televisions, proving that everything can be done on our phones. YouTube has a television option so that its users can watch live TV anytime and anywhere.
This live TV option is available in the mobile application form. The YouTube TV app is a cable-free live TV that does not require any cable box. YouTube TV boasts a long list of available channels to cater to the interests of its users.
Learn more about the YouTube TV app and its features below. Discover how I set up the YouTube TV app on my mobile device to watch live TV and the available channels to watch on the YouTube TV app.
- Introducing YouTube and Its Services
- Installing the YouTube TV App
- Exploring the YouTube TV App
- Choosing YouTube TV’s Base Plan
- Watching Live TV on the YouTube TV App
- Checking the Entertainment Channels on YouTube TV
Introducing the YouTube and Its Services
We are all familiar with the YouTube app as it is one of the biggest video-sharing platforms. YouTube is a free space where anyone can upload their created content. YouTube users can upload a variety of content as long as they abide by the app’s community standards.
YouTube started as a mere online video sharing and social media platform. It evolved into a platform focused on other media, such as music. It launchedYouTube Music in September 2016.
Another popular service of YouTube is focused on films. The YouTube Movies service shows films through YouTube’s official website. Most of the films are free to view, but with ads, wherein new movies get to be added and get removed every month.
Even further, YouTube released a service meant for people who would not want to miss any show on live TV. The YouTube TV app is an OTT subscription service available only for United States customers.
Getting to Know More About the YouTube TV App
In February 2017, YouTube announced that it would launch a mobile application adding to its initial services offered. YouTube TV was initially offered an over-the-top MVPD-style subscription for United States customers.
The YouTube TV app was first launched in these five states: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, in April 2017. During the release of the YouTube TV app, it offered the five major broadcast networks in the country.
Installing the YouTube TV App
I always try to catch my favorite shows live on TV because there are many spoilers on social media. There is a different kind of excitement and thrill when I watch the shows live on their premiere.
As someone always on the road because of work and hobbies, I struggle to catch my shows on live TV. YouTube understands this problem of people who want access to live TV anytime and anywhere.
Thus, YouTube launched the YouTube TV app to transform our phones into live TV by making TV shows available on mobile devices. I immediately installed the YouTube TV app when I learned about it.
The YouTube TV app is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. It is free to download the YouTube TV app but I need a subscription before I can enjoy its features and content. The YouTube TV app is compatible with AndroidOS 5.0 and up as well as iOS 12.0 or later.
Checking the Youtube TV App’s Data Safety
Like any other time I installed an app on my mobile device, I first ensured that it was safe and secure. I wanted to be reassured that it would protect my privacy and personal information. So, I checked the YouTube TV app’s data safety protocols first.
At a glance, the YouTube TV app mentioned that no data would be shared with third-party entities. The developers said that the YouTube TV app does not share any user data with other organizations or companies.
Moreover, the YouTube TV app enumerated the data that it collects that will be used solely to deliver and improve its services. This data includes users' approximate location, precise location, name, email, user ID, address, phone number, financial information, in-app messages, photos, audio, contacts, app activities, crash logs, and other app performance data.
Exploring the YouTube TV App
When I first installed the YouTube TV app, it provided a quick overview of its features and content. It mentioned that the YouTube TV app is cable-free, so I can watch shows and other shows from major networks.
It supports account sharing for up to six members. I like this feature because I can share the account with my family, friends, or even roommates. The subscription fee is also shared so that I can save some money.
Although the YouTube TV app mentioned that the accounts are meant only for people aged 13 years old and above. Kids are not allowed to have an account as YouTube has its dedicated service for them—YouTube Kids.
Lastly, the YouTube TV app mentioned that I would never run out of storage space because I do not need to download video files of the shows I want to watch. There is also no need for me to look for the highlights or recaps of the episodes because I can watch them in real-time.
Signing in on the YouTube TV App
When I decided to install the app, I had friends already enjoying YouTube TV. Thus, I opted to share an account with them. The YouTube TV app asked me to sign in using a Google account or email address.
It is important to note that if people want to access the YouTube TV app’s content and features, they must have an account first. Using any email address that has been used in creating a YouTube account is ideal.
However, it is better if the Google account or email address is currently registered to a YouTube subscription.
Choosing YouTube TV’s Base Plan
As I mentioned, the YouTube TV app requires a subscription to open and access its features and content. There are two plans designed to fit our needs. It is also possible to customize our subscription plan for YouTube TV.
The first plan is called the “Base Plan,” which costs $64.99 per month. The perks include streaming 85+ channels, including top entertainment, news, live sports, and many more. I will also be entitled to an unlimited DVR space for non-stop streaming.
The Base Plan allows up to six accounts that I can share with my household or friends. This is an ideal option because I will be allowed to add extra networks. There will be additional fees for the network add-ons I want.
Moreover, YouTube TV offers a $10 off subscription for the first three months. With this promo, I only need to pay $54.99 for my YouTube TV Base Plan subscription.
Getting YouTube TV’s Spanish Plan
Aside from the Base Plan, YouTube TV has the Spanish Plan. This plan lets me get the best of YouTube TV with the lineup of only Spanish networks. This plan is best-suited for Spanish-speaking individuals.
There are 28+ Spanish networks on the plan, including live sports, shows, telenovelas, and many more. There is also unlimited DVR space, which I can share with the other five members of the household for the subscription.
The Spanish Plan subscription costs $34.99 per month, but I will only pay $24.99 per month as there is $10 off for the first six months of the subscription. If I want to get both the Base Plan and Spanish Plan, the Spanish Plan will only be $14.99 per month on top of the Base Plan price.
Watching Live TV on the YouTube TV App
The YouTube TV app is proud to have 85+ channels for its users. I liked that the lineup of channels varies according to nature and genre, like sports, news, entertainment, documentary, education, and many more.
YouTube TV has channels for ABC, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, NBC, PBS, and other local broadcasting channels for broadcasts and news. I was amazed that the app streams the five major broadcasting companies in the United States.
There are also local and international news channels on the YouTube TV app, such as BBC World News, Cheddar, CNBC, CNN, Galavisión, HLN, MSNBC, NBCLX, Univision, UniMás, and more.
Knowing the Sports Channels on the YouTube TV App
Aside from broadcasts and news, many sports channels are available on the app. As a sports fan, I do not want to miss the chance to watch the live games of my favorite teams streaming on live TV through the YouTube TV app.
Some of the available sports channels on the YouTube TV app are CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, Golf Channel, MLB Game of the Week, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, Olympic Channel, Univision, etc.
Checking the Entertainment Channels on YouTube TV
Moreover, I will also get non-stop entertainment from these channels: BBC America, BET, Discovery, E!, Food Network, MTV, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Paramount Network, Pop, TLC, Travel Channel, and many more.
Interestingly, adults are not the only ones who will be entertained on the YouTube TV app—there are channels meant for kids.
These channels are proven to be child-friendly, so it does not require the close supervision of parents.
Children can enjoy these channels on the YouTube TV app: Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, and Universal Kids.
Knowing the Other Features of the YouTube TV App
There are other features of the YouTube TV app that I can enjoy.
First, YouTube provides a one-month free trial of the subscription. I like this because I will be able to know if the content and features are meant for my needs and wants.
In addition, YouTube TV offers additional exclusive regional channels. It means there are channels on the app that can only be accessed in certain areas or regions.
Conclusion
The YouTube TV app transforms mobile phones into TVs as it offers live TV channels. The YouTube TV app requires a subscription to enjoy its over 85+ channels for the users to catch their favorite shows even if they are not at home.
It is one of the best ways to watch TV on a mobile phone, so check out this app today!
