The live TV streaming wars is a thing, and two big names are currently head to head with their paid subscriber base.
Both Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV launched live TV service in 2017, offering customers top-tier TV streaming options. Now, the numbers are in, and both services are reportedly doing quite well with hundreds of thousands of paid subscribers.
According to reports, Hulu with Live TV now has about 450,000 paid subscribers, which does not include promotional customers, and YouTube TV has just over 300,000 since the beginning of 2018.
Both Hulu with Live TV and YouTube TV have not been around for a full year, so these numbers are quite impressive. However, sources reveal that growing the user base will be difficult, as it is easy for users to cancel the service.
Another issue with growing the paid subscription base is the competition from services such as Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and DirecTV Now.
DirecTV Now features a massive user base with 2 million paid subscribers, while Sling sports 1 million, and PlayStation Vue had about 455,000 in 2017.
What Is Hulu With Live TV And YouTube TV?
Hulu and YouTube’s live TV service offers users a way to cut the cord and get rid of cable at a much lower cost.
Hulu with Live TV starts at $39.99 a month and gives subscribers the option to watch shows live. This includes more than 50 top channels including sports and news. Users also get access to full seasons and Hulu original series, as well as hit movies, premium channels, and more.
There are add-ons that include premium networks such as HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. Users can also add enhanced cloud DVR options to fast-forward through commercials and more. Plus, there is an option to add unlimited screens so anyone in the family can use the Hulu account and have all the features.
Meanwhile, YouTube TV starts at $35 a month and gives users access to live TV streaming for over 40 channels. There is access to news, sports, and special events as well as the full lineup for ABC, NBC, Fox, and more. The service offers cloud-based DVR as well and lets users simultaneously record different shows at once.
The difference with YouTube is they offer users cloud DVR with no storage limit, and there are six accounts that can be included to a single subscription. Users can also upgrade their package with premium channels, but there is no HBO and Cinemax as with Hulu. Instead, YouTube offers Showtime, Fox Soccer PLUS, and more.
