YouTube TV expands add‑ons and DVR access
Introduction — why YouTube TV matters
YouTube TV is a major streaming option for viewers who want live television without a traditional pay‑TV subscription. The service carries live feeds from CBS, FOX, NBC and many popular cable networks, offering live sports and appointment‑viewing shows to audiences across the United States. Recent changes to its add‑on and DVR policies make it increasingly relevant for subscribers seeking flexible, a la carte channel choices.
Main developments and service details
Live channels and availability
YouTube TV is available throughout the United States and provides live programming from more than 100 broadcast, cable and regional sports channels. To see which channels and add‑ons are available in your area, YouTube TV asks users to enter their home ZIP code at tv.youtube.com/welcome. The service also provides guidance on location requirements and using YouTube TV while travelling.
Cloud DVR and storage
The service includes a cloud‑based DVR with unlimited storage that retains recordings for nine months. Until September 2022, access to this DVR required a subscription to YouTube TV’s 85‑channel base plan; that requirement has since been changed for certain subscribers (see add‑on changes below).
A la carte add‑ons and the September 2022 change
In September 2022 YouTube TV began allowing subscribers to purchase premium add‑ons without signing up for the full base plan — a model similar to channel stores run by Apple, Prime Video and Roku. Around 20 add‑ons were initially available a la carte, including HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Hallmark Movies Now, CuriosityStream, MLB.tv and NBA League Pass. YouTube TV also expanded DVR access to subscribers who buy qualifying premium add‑ons even if they do not maintain the base channel package.
Contract disputes
The service has faced carriage negotiations: in September 2021 YouTube TV entered a contract dispute with NBCUniversal, which warned it might remove its channels if a renewal was not reached by the end of that month — illustrating ongoing industry challenges between streamers and content owners.
Conclusion — significance and outlook
YouTube TV’s move to sell premium add‑ons individually and to broaden DVR access brings it closer to the channel‑store approach used by other platforms, potentially increasing choice for users who want specific channels without a full base subscription. For viewers, the changes mean more flexibility in how they assemble live TV packages; for the market, they signal continued evolution in how streaming services, networks and sports rights are bundled and sold. To check whether a specific channel or add‑on is available locally, enter your ZIP code at tv.youtube.com/welcome or consult YouTube TV support.
