YouTube TV
YouTube TV provides a cable-free live TV experience with 100+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and seamless integration across devices, eliminating the need for traditional cable subscriptions and hardware.
Last updated May 11, 2026 by jonholm
- Industry
- Connected TV (CTV) / Streaming Video
- Business Model
- Subscription
- Target Market
- Consumer
- Employee Count
- 1001-5000
- Funding
- $0
- Revenue Range
- $5B-$10B
- Stock Symbol
- GOOGL
- Parent Company
- API Available
- Limited
Market Position
Leading live TV streaming service in the United States, competing in the vMVPD market
Overview
YouTube TV is a subscription-based live television streaming service operated by Google as part of the YouTube brand. Launched in 2017, the service provides access to over 100 live television channels from major broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and many others, along with unlimited cloud DVR storage and on-demand content. The platform serves as a cord-cutting alternative to traditional cable and satellite TV subscriptions. As a subsidiary of Google/Alphabet, YouTube TV operates within the broader digital video and streaming ecosystem, competing directly with other virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPDs) like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV. The service integrates with YouTube's existing infrastructure and benefits from Google's advertising technology capabilities, offering both traditional linear TV advertising and digital advertising opportunities. YouTube TV has become one of the largest live TV streaming services in the United States, with millions of subscribers. From an AdTech perspective, YouTube TV represents a significant platform for connected TV (CTV) advertising, combining traditional broadcast advertising with digital targeting and measurement capabilities. The service provides advertisers access to live sports, news, and entertainment programming while leveraging Google's advanced advertising technology for targeting, attribution, and analytics.
Products & Features
Live TV Streaming
Access to 100+ live television channels including broadcast networks, cable channels, sports, and news
Unlimited Cloud DVR
Unlimited cloud-based DVR storage with recordings saved for up to 9 months
Multi-Device Support
Streaming across smart TVs, mobile devices, web browsers, and streaming devices
Premium Add-ons
Optional premium channel packages including HBO Max, Showtime, STARZ, and sports packages
Family Sharing
Up to 6 accounts per household with personalized recommendations and DVR libraries
Key Features
100+ live TV channelsUnlimited cloud DVR storageUp to 6 user accounts per subscription3 simultaneous streamsNo contracts or hidden feesLive sports coverage including NFL, NBA, MLBLocal broadcast channels in most marketsOn-demand content library4K streaming capability (with 4K Plus add-on)Integration with YouTube Premium
Use Cases
Cord-cutting alternative to traditional cable TVLive sports viewing without cable subscriptionLocal news and broadcast network accessFamily entertainment with multiple user profilesConnected TV advertising campaignsLive event streaming and DVR recordingPremium channel access without cable bundle
Customer Segments
Cord-cutters seeking cable alternativesSports fansFamilies with diverse viewing preferencesTech-savvy consumersUrban and suburban householdsMillennials and Gen Z viewers
Connections