YouTube Live TV: How it Works and Tips for Best Usage
Are you tired of traditional cable TV and looking for a streaming platform that offers a wide range of channels? Look no further than YouTube TV! Offering over 80 channels that stream sports, news, and entertainment, YouTube TV provides a fantastic alternative to cable. With its exceptional DVR functionality and compatibility with various devices, it’s time to make the switch.
What is YouTube Live TV?
YouTube TV, launched in 2017, started in a limited number of North American cities but quickly expanded to cover all 210 areas in the region. With its extensive channel library now offering more than 70 channels including major national broadcasters like FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS, YouTube TV delivers a diverse selection of programs.
Although YouTube TV is not directly affiliated with YouTube, they are both managed by Google as independent platforms. However, there are some overlaps between the two, such as YouTube Originals. To access both YouTube and YouTube TV, you will need separate applications on your streaming device.
Originally only available on select devices, YouTube TV can now be accessed on various 4K TVs from popular brands like Samsung, Vizio, Sony, LG, Hisense, and TCL, as well as all popular streaming device platforms. With over 2 million subscribers at the end of 2019, YouTube TV has proven to be a popular choice for cord-cutters.
Tips for the Best YouTube TV Experience
While YouTube TV is known for its user-friendly interface, not all of its features are immediately apparent. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your YouTube TV experience:
1. Customize your YouTube TV Guide
Take advantage of the flexibility to customize your YouTube TV program guide using the YouTube Live dashboard or mobile app. Simply go to “Settings” and then “Live Guide” to untick channels you don’t want to see and rearrange the order of channels to suit your preferences. When you return to your TV, select the “Custom” option at the top of the guide for a personalized viewing experience.
2. Record your Favorite Shows
Unlike traditional DVRs, YouTube TV features an “Add to Library” function that automatically saves all episodes of your favorite shows. You can watch these recorded episodes for up to 9 months after the premiere, with no limit on the number of episodes you can record. Keep in mind that once you add a show to your library, you can’t remove it or stop reruns.
3. Save single Sports Events
YouTube TV allows you to save individual sporting events by going to the show page and selecting “Add to Library.” If you’re browsing the live guide, click on “More Info” to access the show page and add it to your library. You can save isolated events, all-league events, or even set up group-based recordings.
4. Conceal Scores before watching a Recorded Sports Program
To avoid spoilers, you can hide scores before watching a recorded sports program. Simply go to your team’s info page, choose “Hide all scores for this league/team,” and repeat this step for each league or team whose scores you want to hide.
5. Watch Shows while they get Recorded
If you want to watch a live broadcast on DVR and skip the commercials, add the show to your library and select it from the “Scheduled” section under “Recording Now.” You’ll have the option to start from the beginning without interruptions.
Advantages of YouTube Live TV
YouTube TV has quickly risen to become a formidable competitor in the streaming industry. Here are some reasons why it’s gaining popularity:
1. An Exhaustive Range of Channels
YouTube TV offers a wide selection of channels comparable to traditional cable services, including sports and news channels. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, classic movies, or retro TV, YouTube TV has something for everyone.
2. Multiple Devices Supported
Unlike cable TV, YouTube TV doesn’t require a cable box and can be accessed on various devices. Supported devices include smart TVs, media players, gaming consoles, and smartphones. The YouTube TV app is available for download and compatible with popular brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and more.
3. Free Trial
To determine if YouTube TV suits your needs, take advantage of its 2-week free trial. Experience all the benefits, explore the available content, and decide if it’s the right choice for you. Just sign in with your Google account and remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide not to continue.
Disadvantages of YouTube Live TV
While YouTube TV offers many advantages, it also has a few drawbacks to consider:
1. No Skip-Ad function
Although YouTube TV features a library and DVR, some programs still include ads that cannot be skipped. While vintage movies may be ad-free, recent shows like ABC’s For Life or Black-ish include advertisements similar to a basic Hulu subscription.
2. Expensive Subscription Fee
YouTube TV comes with a monthly price tag of $64.99, which may be costly for some users. Compared to other streaming services, maintaining two separate subscriptions can be financially burdensome.
3. Cumbersome Layout
YouTube TV has a layout that some users may find overwhelming. With three primary functions – Home, Library, and Live – navigating the platform can be challenging, especially for those accustomed to the traditional YouTube interface. Understanding the content categories and making the most of the app requires time and patience.
In conclusion, if you’re ready to cut the cord and say goodbye to traditional cable, YouTube TV is an excellent option. With its extensive channel lineup and new features, YouTube TV offers a compelling streaming experience. Explore the world of top-notch content and enhance your social media marketing strategies with YouTube. Check out “Mr Reviews” for more insights and visit here for a detailed guide on using YouTube TV.
