YouTube is trying to carve a space in the broad spectrum of video streaming services currently occupied by formidables Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services offering on-demand programming. It's launching a $35-a-month TV service that could possibly further disrupt traditional cable providers.
YouTube TV Takes On Cable Services
YouTube officially unveiled YouTube TV on Feb. 28, its response to similar setups by Dish's SlingTV, AT&T's DirecTV Now, and even Sony's PlayStation Vue. Hulu is also planning to launch a live TV service later this year.
The monthly fee doesn't require contracts at all, so a subscriber may cancel anytime they choose. On top of that, YouTube is also throwing an unlimited DVR service, although shows will automatically self-destruct after nine months. YouTube TV is going to be available in the "largest U.S. markets" in the next few months, with plans to expand coverage to more cities across the country. No word, however, on plans for an international release, but it seems unlikely.
Networks Included In YouTube TV
The four major U.S. networks, CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox, will be included in YouTube TV, but it won't have Viacom or Turner channels. There's quite a sizable list of networks included, trawling along SyFy, USA Network, Disney Channel, ESPN, FX, MSNBC, and even YouTube Red, the company's paid tier, no-ads service.
Other similar services let users stream using a number of platforms. YouTube TV won't be different. It'll allow subscribers to stream through virtually every major platform available, including connected TVs, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, and desktop, or laptop computers. For TVs, however, subscribers may only stream YouTube TV if they have Chromecast, or provided that they have a Google Cast-capable TV.
Six Accounts For Every YouTube TV Subscription
Every YouTube TV subscription comes with six accounts, each with different recommendations and unlimited DVR features. Three accounts may access the service at a given time. As per a report by Business Insider, YouTube TV will also work with Home, Google's smart speaker. Subscribers can tell home what they want to watch and the speaker will deliver.
It's easy to see who YouTube put in mind when it decided to launch the service: Millennials, or the age group that can be bothered with traditional cable services the least.
YouTube TV will be available as a separate app from the regular YouTube mobile app, through which users can cycle through shows with an interactive guide. As previously mentioned, YouTube TV comes bundled with YouTube Red, so if you've always been planning to jump into YouTube's premium service, and have always wanted to break away from your old cable service, YouTube TV might be an attractive recourse.
"With so much great content available on TV, we're thrilled to build an experience that lets you enjoy it as easily as you watch YouTube. We can't wait for you to tune in," YouTube wrote in a blog post.
Sound good to you? Check out YouTube TV's site to get notified on its availability. If you have any thoughts, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
