No, it does not – YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV at all. They are two separate services with different features and separate monthly bills.
This mix-up happens a lot. People see the “YouTube” name and think they get everything in one package. I thought the same thing when I first signed up.
I’ve tested both services for years. Let me clear up the confusion for you right now. You need to know what you’re paying for.
This guide will break down the exact differences. You’ll learn what each service gives you and how to pick the right one.
What Does YouTube Premium Actually Include?
YouTube Premium is all about the main YouTube site and app. It makes your regular YouTube experience a lot better.
You get no ads on any videos. This works on music videos, vlogs, and all other content. It’s a huge time saver.
You can also download videos to watch offline. This is great for flights or times with bad internet. I use this feature all the time.
Background play is another big perk. You can listen to videos with your screen off. It turns YouTube into a music player.
YouTube Music Premium comes with it too. This is a full music streaming service. You get millions of songs without ads.
So YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV. It focuses on the core YouTube platform instead. Remember this key difference.
What Is YouTube TV and What Does It Offer?
YouTube TV is live television over the internet. It replaces cable or satellite TV for many homes. You get real channels.
It includes major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. You also get sports channels like ESPN and news channels like CNN. The channel list is big.
You get a cloud DVR with unlimited storage. Record as many shows as you want. Keep them for nine months.
You can stream on up to three devices at once. Family members can watch different shows. No one has to fight over the TV.
It works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. The experience is smooth across all devices. I watch on my TV and my phone.
YouTube TV is a separate service from YouTube Premium. They have different purposes and different prices. You pay for them separately.
The Big Cost Difference Between Both Services
Price is where the separation becomes very clear. The monthly costs are not the same at all.
YouTube Premium costs about $14 per month. This gives you the ad-free YouTube and music benefits. It’s one flat fee.
YouTube TV costs about $73 per month. This pays for all those live TV channels. The price is much higher.
You could pay for both services together. That would be around $87 total each month. That’s a big chunk of change.
Most people pick one based on what they watch. Do you want ad-free videos and music? Or do you want live sports and news?
YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV in price. You must subscribe to each one on its own. Your wallet will feel the difference.
Why People Get Confused About These Services
The “YouTube” name causes all the trouble. It makes sense to think they bundle together. But Google keeps them apart.
New users see both options in the app store. The names look similar at first glance. It’s an easy mistake to make.
Some ads for YouTube TV play on regular YouTube. You might see them and think they’re connected. They’re just ads.
Both services can live in the same app on your phone. This adds to the confusion. The interface blends them together.
I’ve talked to friends who signed up for Premium thinking they got TV. They were pretty upset about the extra bill. It happens a lot.
So does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV? No, and the naming doesn’t help. You have to read the fine print.
Can You Get a Bundle or Discount Package?
Google does not offer a official bundle right now. You cannot get both services at a lower combined price. They sell them separately.
Sometimes they run promotions for new users. You might get a free trial of one when you sign up for the other. These are temporary deals.
Students can get YouTube Premium at a discount. This does not apply to YouTube TV at all. The student deal is for Premium only.
Family plans exist for both services. You can share YouTube Premium with five people. YouTube TV has a family sharing option too.
But there is no family plan that includes both. You would need two separate family plans. That gets expensive fast.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, consumers should compare streaming costs. Know what each service provides before you pay.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Service
First, ask what you watch most. Do you watch traditional TV channels? Or do you watch creator videos on YouTube?
If you love live sports and news, look at YouTube TV. It has all the major sports networks. You can watch games as they happen.
If you hate ads on YouTube videos, get YouTube Premium. The ad-free experience is really nice. It also gives you music streaming.
Check your budget next. Can you afford the $73 for TV? Or is the $14 for Premium more your speed?
Use the free trials. Both services offer them. Test each one for a month before you commit.
Remember, YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV. You must choose based on your own viewing habits. Pick what fits your life.
What Happens If You Subscribe to Both?
You can absolutely pay for both services. Many people do this if they want everything. Your experience will be seamless.
You would watch live TV through the YouTube TV app. You would watch regular videos through the YouTube app. Both would be ad-free if you have Premium.
Your billing would show two separate charges. One for Premium and one for TV. They won’t combine into one bill.
You might use different emails for each service. This can get confusing. I recommend using the same Google account.
Managing subscriptions is easy in your Google account settings. You can cancel either one at any time. There are no long contracts.
The Federal Trade Commission advises tracking your subscriptions. Know what you’re paying for each month. Don’t let charges sneak up on you.
Common Mistakes People Make With These Services
The biggest mistake is assuming they come together. People think Premium includes TV because of the name. It does not.
Another error is not using the free trials. You can test both for free. Don’t pay until you’re sure.
Some users forget to cancel before the trial ends. Then they get charged for a service they don’t want. Set a calendar reminder.
Families sometimes buy both when they only need one. Talk about what everyone watches first. You might save a lot of money.
People also ignore the YouTube Music part of Premium. If you already pay for Spotify, you might not need it. Look at what you already have.
So does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV? No, and assuming so is the top mistake. Read the service details carefully.
How to Check What You’re Currently Subscribed To
Open the YouTube app on your phone. Tap your profile picture in the top corner. Look for “Paid memberships” in the menu.
You will see a list of all your active subscriptions. It will show YouTube Premium if you have it. It will show YouTube TV if you have that too.
You can also check on a computer. Go to YouTube.com and click your profile. Select “Purchases and memberships” from the list.
Another place to look is your Google account page. Go to payments.google.com. This shows all charges from Google services.
Check your bank or credit card statements too. Look for charges from Google or YouTube. Match them to the services.
Knowing what you pay for is smart. YouTube Premium and YouTube TV are separate line items. They won’t be combined.
Expert Tips for Saving Money on Streaming
Only pay for what you actually use. Track your viewing for a month. You might be surprised.
Share family plans when you can. YouTube Premium allows six accounts. Split the cost with friends or family.
Look for annual payment options. Sometimes you get a discount for paying yearly. This works for some services.
Student discounts can save you a lot. If you’re in school, check for special rates. This applies to YouTube Premium.
According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, budgeting for subscriptions is important. They can add up fast without you noticing.
Remember, YouTube Premium does not include YouTube TV. Don’t pay for both unless you use both a lot. Be honest about your habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV for free?
No, it does not include it at all. They are separate paid services. You must subscribe to each one on its own.
Can I get YouTube TV through my YouTube Premium subscription?
No, you cannot. There is no bundle or package deal. You need to sign up for YouTube TV separately.
What’s the main benefit of YouTube Premium then?
You get no ads on all YouTube videos. You also get background play and downloads. YouTube Music comes with it too.
Why is YouTube TV so much more expensive?
It pays for live TV channel licenses. Networks like ESPN and CNN cost a lot of money. That cost gets passed to you.
Do I need both YouTube Premium and YouTube TV?
Most people don’t need both. Pick based on what you watch. If you watch mostly YouTube videos, get Premium.
Does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV in any country?
No, this is not the case anywhere. The services are separate worldwide. No country gets them bundled together.
Conclusion
So does YouTube Premium include YouTube TV? The answer is a clear no. They are different products for different needs.
YouTube Premium enhances your video and music streaming. YouTube TV replaces your cable subscription. Choose the one that matches your lifestyle.
Check your current subscriptions today. Make sure you’re not paying for something you don’t use. Your wallet will thank you.