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TV holds a central place in any modern household. It is a gateway to endless entertainment and allows people to relax and unwind after a long day at work. Though smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices have graced the latest technological scene, TV is here to stay. The only thing that is changing is how people watch television in the 21st century. Where before cable TV thrilled generations of Americans, YouTube is the champion of the millennials.
YouTube is the most-visited video platform on the web, with over two billion users logging in every day to catch their favorite content. It has also gained the status of a search engine, next to Google, so much so that YouTube has released its own streaming service that goes the extra mile in pleasing its viewers.
YouTube TV challenges cable TV in a way like never before. All it needs is a solid connection like Time Warner internet to work. Depending on how many channels you like on regular TV, you can choose to watch YouTube for free or sign up for its premium plan. We’ll discuss everything below, including whether YouTube will replace the TV in the upcoming years. So, stay tuned.
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a streaming television service that brings live TV content to your screens from some of the largest cable, broadcast, and premium networks in the US, plus popular content from YouTube creators. It differs from YouTube in two senses. One, you don’t have to pay a membership fee every month to stream regular videos on YouTube, while you have to properly sign up for a YouTube TV subscription, which is paid. And two, you may be able to catch random glimpses of cable shows on YouTube, but YouTube TV comes with a pre-defined channel lineup. It’s just like watching TV, but on the web and without the need for an annoying cable box.
How much does it cost?
While YouTube itself is a free-for-all platform, YouTube TV service costs $65 a month, which is still less than what you pay for cable. With cable, you also have to worry about equipment rental and other hidden fees, while YouTube TV doesn’t impose any of this on your monthly subscription. There are no contracts either. Cancel the membership anytime you want.
What Sort of Channels can you Get on YouTube?
Once you sign up for a YouTube TV membership, some of the best channels become available to you for live streaming. These include popular lifestyle, news, and kids channels such as ABC, BET, CNN, Disney Channel, Food Network, FX, MSNBC, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, TBS, TNT, BBC America, Cartoon Network, The CW, ESPN, HGTV, Nat Geo, Paramount, Pop and Telemundo, etc. You have the option to hide the channels you don’t want to watch.
Besides these, you also get a local lineup along the lines of CBS, FOX, and NBC, in addition to all those broadcast networks that are present in your area. Big fan of sports? With YouTube TV, you can access Big Ten Network, ESPNU, ACCN, CBS Sports Network, Tennis Channel, NBA TV, FS1 & 2, MLB Network and Golf Channel, etc. YouTube TV even assorts special game channels like NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, and GolTV in a Sports Plus add-on, which you can pair with NFL Network to take your sports programming to the next level.
Speaking of add-ons, you can pile premium subscriptions to HBO, SHOWTIME, HBO Max, STARZ, CINEMAX, EPIX, Curiosity Stream, Hallmark Movies Now, Shudder, and more atop your base package for some extra bit of fun. Overall, a YouTube TV plan delivers 80+ channels to your TV screens, which are more than enough to satiate your entertainment appetite.
Does YouTube have DVR?
Cable-lovers may argue that cable TV gives you the freedom to control how you watch television. Well, we’ve got news for them! YouTube TV also has a state-of-the-art Cloud DVR service, using which you can record as many shows as you want in one go and keep the recordings fresh up to nine months. No DVR equipment rental is needed.
Where can you Stream YouTube Content?
While cable may limit your mobility by making you stick close to a TV screen, YouTube enables you to move about, do your chores and still enjoy your favorite programming. YouTube TV is compatible with a whole range of devices, such as Android smartphone, tablet and TV, Apple smartphone, tablet and TV, Roku devices, Amazon Fire devices, Samsung smart TVs, LG smart TVs, Hisense TVs, and Chrome, etc. Some smart TVs and streaming devices also come with the YouTube app pre-installed. That’s how deeply this platform has become integrated into our TV-watching experience!
Will YouTube Replace Cable TV?
By the looks of it, yes. YouTube offers the perfect lineup, device compatibility, cost-effective membership, and unlimited DVR. Though it has redefined the way we watch TV in this century, it is still too early to say whether it will completely wipe out the TV in the coming years. I guess we’ll have to stay around and see for ourselves.
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