Does YouTube TV Come with YouTube Music? The Ultimate Breakdown

The short answer is: no, YouTube TV does not automatically come with YouTube Music. However, understanding the nuances of YouTube’s subscription ecosystem unlocks valuable options for streaming both your favorite live TV and your favorite tunes. Let’s dive deep!

Understanding the YouTube Subscription Ecosystem

Navigating the world of YouTube subscriptions can feel like traversing a digital jungle. Google, the parent company of YouTube, offers a variety of services, each with its own price point and features. Grasping the individual components is key to building the entertainment package that perfectly suits your needs.

YouTube TV: Your Live TV Hub

YouTube TV is a robust streaming service designed to replace traditional cable. It offers a comprehensive selection of live TV channels, including major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and FX. Features include cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record your favorite shows and movies, as well as multiple simultaneous streams, perfect for households with diverse viewing habits. Think of it as cable, reimagined for the internet age.

YouTube Music: Your Soundtrack to Life

YouTube Music is a dedicated music streaming platform, competing with services like Spotify and Apple Music. It offers access to a vast library of songs, albums, live performances, and music videos. A key differentiator for YouTube Music is its integration with the broader YouTube platform. This means you can often find live performances, remixes, and covers that are not available on other streaming services. There are two tiers: YouTube Music (free with ads) and YouTube Music Premium (ad-free with offline listening and background playback).

YouTube Premium: The Umbrella Subscription

Now, here’s where things get interesting. YouTube Premium is an umbrella subscription that unlocks benefits across the entire YouTube platform. With YouTube Premium, you get:

• Ad-free viewing on all YouTube videos (including on YouTube TV on-demand content).
• Offline downloads for YouTube videos.
• Background playback for YouTube videos (allowing you to listen even when your screen is off).
• YouTube Music Premium included.

The Connection: How to Get YouTube Music with YouTube TV

While YouTube TV doesn’t directly bundle with YouTube Music, the key is YouTube Premium. By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you effectively get YouTube Music Premium included as a perk. This means if you’re already considering YouTube Premium for its ad-free viewing and other benefits, you’re essentially getting YouTube Music Premium “for free.”

Bundling Considerations: Is it Worth it?

The value proposition of bundling YouTube TV with YouTube Premium (and therefore YouTube Music) depends heavily on your individual viewing and listening habits. If you heavily consume both live TV through YouTube TV and music through YouTube Music, the combination makes a lot of sense.

• Cost Analysis: Individually, YouTube TV has a monthly cost, and YouTube Music Premium has its own price tag. YouTube Premium sits in between these two prices, but offers additional functionality with ad-free viewing.
• Usage Patterns: If you rarely use YouTube Music, subscribing to YouTube Premium solely for this reason might not be cost-effective. In that case, a separate YouTube TV subscription and potentially a free, ad-supported version of a music streaming service might be a better fit.

The Bottom Line

YouTube TV doesn’t include YouTube Music by default. However, subscribing to YouTube Premium unlocks both ad-free viewing on YouTube and YouTube TV on-demand content and includes YouTube Music Premium. Evaluating your entertainment needs and conducting a cost-benefit analysis is crucial to determining the best subscription strategy for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about YouTube TV and YouTube Music:

1. Can I use my YouTube Music Premium account with YouTube TV?

Yes, if you have a YouTube Premium account (which includes YouTube Music Premium), you can use your Google account to sign in to both YouTube TV and YouTube Music, enjoying the benefits of both services.

2. Is there a family plan that includes both YouTube TV and YouTube Music?

Yes, YouTube TV offers a family plan that allows up to six household members to share the service. Similarly, YouTube Premium offers a family plan, extending YouTube Music Premium access to those same household members. So, the YouTube Premium Family Plan is the way to share YouTube Music Premium benefits, including access to it via YouTube TV.

3. Can I listen to music on YouTube TV?

Yes, you can listen to music on YouTube TV, but the experience is different from using YouTube Music. You can access music videos and live performances available on YouTube through the YouTube TV interface, but it’s not optimized for music discovery or background playback like YouTube Music is.

4. Does YouTube TV have commercials?

YouTube TV features commercials during live broadcasts, just like traditional cable. However, subscribing to YouTube Premium removes ads from on-demand content within YouTube TV.

5. What channels are included with YouTube TV?

YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels, including major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, FX, and more. The specific channel lineup may vary based on your location. Always check the available channels in your area on the YouTube TV website.

6. How much does YouTube TV cost?

The cost of YouTube TV varies but generally is positioned to be competitive with other similar streaming services. Visit the YouTube TV website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

7. How much does YouTube Music Premium cost?

YouTube Music Premium has a monthly subscription fee. The specific price is available on the YouTube Music website.

8. How much does YouTube Premium cost?

YouTube Premium has a monthly subscription fee. Refer to the YouTube Premium website for the most current price.

9. Can I cancel my YouTube TV subscription at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your YouTube TV subscription at any time without penalty. Your access will continue until the end of your billing cycle.

10. Can I download music for offline listening with YouTube Music?

Yes, with YouTube Music Premium, you can download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening.

11. Can I use YouTube Music on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use YouTube Music on multiple devices using the same Google account. However, there may be limitations on simultaneous streaming, depending on your subscription plan.

12. What are the alternatives to YouTube Music?

Several alternatives to YouTube Music exist, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. Each platform offers its own unique features, music library, and pricing plans. Consider exploring different options to find the service that best aligns with your musical preferences and budget.