In the ever-evolving world of streaming content, YouTube TV and YouTube Premium are two distinct services that often leave users confused about their features, pricing, and whether they overlap in any way. If you’re contemplating subscribing to one or both of these popular platforms, you might be asking: Is YouTube Premium included with YouTube TV? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the ins and outs of both services, highlighting their key features, differences, and overall value.
Understanding YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a subscription-based service that provides live television streaming over the internet. Launched in 2017, it offers a variety of channels, including local networks and popular cable channels, packaged neatly for a fixed monthly fee.
Key Features of YouTube TV
YouTube TV stands out from the competition for several reasons:
- Robust Channel Selection: It offers over 85 channels ranging from sports to entertainment, including major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and ESPN.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: One of the most enticing features is the unlimited DVR storage, allowing subscribers to record their favorite shows for up to nine months.
Pricing and Plans
As of the last update, YouTube TV offers its service at a standard monthly rate. Although this price can vary based on promotions or additional add-ons (like premium channels), it typically comes with everything you need for a full cable replacement:
- Standard Plan: Offers all the core channels, unlimited DVR space, and simultaneous streaming on three devices.
What is YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium is a separate subscription service designed primarily to enhance your YouTube experience. It removes ads from videos, allows background play on mobile devices, and grants access to YouTube Originals.
Key Features of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is particularly appealing for avid YouTube watchers for the following features:
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy watching videos without interruptions from ads, making for a smoother viewing experience.
- YouTube Originals: Access to exclusive content created by popular YouTubers and influencers.
Pricing for YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is usually offered at a monthly rate, with discounted options for families. The service is separate from YouTube TV and focuses on enhancing the traditional video platform rather than providing live television.
Differences Between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium
While both services are offered by YouTube, they cater to different audiences and content needs. Here’s how they differ:
Content Type
- YouTube TV focuses on live television channels, which is ideal for fans of sports, news, and traditional TV shows.
- YouTube Premium, on the other hand, concentrates on on-demand video content, including user-generated videos, vlogs, tutorials, and YouTube Originals.
Ads
- YouTube TV features advertisements, as the channels offered are typically part of advertising-supported networks.
- With YouTube Premium, subscribers enjoy an ad-free environment when watching YouTube content.
Platform Usage
- YouTube TV is used primarily to watch live TV, similar to cable but via an app or website.
- YouTube Premium is designed for viewers who enjoy a streaming service for video consumption without interruption.
Are YouTube Premium and YouTube TV Bundled Together?
The short answer is no. Currently, YouTube Premium is not included with a YouTube TV subscription, and vice versa. Each service requires its own subscription, and each serves different purposes within the realm of content consumption.
Why This Matters
Understanding that these services are separate can help you make better decisions about subscriptions based on your viewing habits. If you love watching live TV but also enjoy consuming video content on YouTube, you may find that both subscriptions are worthy investments.
Who Should Subscribe to Both Services?
Given their differing features, subscribing to both services can significantly enhance your overall streaming experience. Here are a few scenarios where having both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium can be beneficial:
For the Avid Content Consumer
If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of live sports, TV shows, and YouTube videos, having both allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. You get live programming through YouTube TV while enjoying a seamless, ad-free experience on YouTube Premium.
For Family Viewing
Families can often benefit from the variety. YouTube TV provides family-friendly programming, whereas YouTube Premium offers engaging content tailored for all ages, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
In summary, YouTube Premium is not included with YouTube TV, and each service provides different types of content and viewing experiences. YouTube TV is ideal for those looking to replace their traditional cable service, while YouTube Premium caters to those looking for an enhanced YouTube experience without ads.
If you’re contemplating either or both subscriptions, consider your viewing habits and preferences. Each service stands out in its own right, and choosing based on your specific needs can ultimately lead to a more satisfying streaming experience.
In a world where digital content consumes much of our leisure time, knowing the distinctions and benefits of platforms like YouTube TV and YouTube Premium will certainly enhance your entertainment journey. So, is it worth subscribing to both? If you’re keen on maximizing your viewing pleasure while eliminating interruptions, the answer might just be a resounding yes!
Is YouTube Premium included with YouTube TV?
No, YouTube Premium is not included with YouTube TV. YouTube TV is a separate subscription service that allows users to access live television, while YouTube Premium is focused on ad-free viewing of regular YouTube content, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Originals. Each service has its own distinct features and pricing structures.
If you want the benefits of both YouTube TV and YouTube Premium, you’ll need to subscribe to each service individually. This means paying for YouTube TV to enjoy live and on-demand television as well as signing up for YouTube Premium if you prefer an ad-free YouTube experience.
What are the benefits of YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium offers several advantages that enhance the viewing experience. One of the main perks is ad-free access to all videos on YouTube, which means you can watch your favorite content without interruptions. Additionally, YouTube Premium allows users to download videos for offline viewing, making it easier to access content without a stable internet connection.
Another notable benefit is that YouTube Premium subscribers gain access to YouTube Originals, a collection of exclusive shows and films produced by YouTube. This subscription also includes background play functionality, allowing videos to continue playing even when you switch to another app, making it perfect for multitasking.
How much does YouTube Premium cost?
As of the latest information available, YouTube Premium typically costs around $11.99 per month in the United States. Users can also opt for a family plan, which allows multiple family members to share the subscription for a higher monthly fee that could be more economical than individual subscriptions. Pricing may vary based on region and regional promotions.
YouTube sometimes offers free trials for new users, allowing you to explore the features before committing to a full subscription. It’s always advisable to check the official YouTube website for the most current pricing and offers, as these may change over time or vary by location.
Can I subscribe to YouTube Premium and YouTube TV separately?
Yes, you can subscribe to YouTube Premium and YouTube TV separately. Many users choose to do this to take full advantage of the unique features offered by each service. YouTube TV provides its users with access to a wide array of live channels, including sports and news, while YouTube Premium focuses on enhancing the experience of consuming YouTube videos.
Subscribing to both services allows you to enjoy live television alongside an ad-free YouTube experience, as well as exclusive content through YouTube Originals. This flexibility enables you to customize your entertainment options according to your preferences and viewing habits.
Will my YouTube TV subscription work with YouTube Premium?
Your YouTube TV subscription will not automatically grant you access to YouTube Premium features. They are entirely separate services, meaning that logging into your YouTube account with your YouTube TV credentials will not provide the ad-free experience or additional features associated with YouTube Premium.
If you wish to enjoy YouTube Premium’s benefits while still utilizing YouTube TV, you will need to register for YouTube Premium through your YouTube account. This means managing both subscriptions independently, which could be beneficial depending on how you consume content across both platforms.
Are there any plans for a bundle deal between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium?
As of now, there are no official announcements regarding a bundle deal between YouTube TV and YouTube Premium. While many users would appreciate a combined subscription option for convenience and potential cost savings, such a package has not been made available.
If you’re interested in both services, it’s best to check for any updates or promotional offers from YouTube periodically. The landscape of streaming services is always evolving, so potential bundling deals could be introduced in the future. Stay tuned for news from YouTube regarding any changes to their subscription offerings.