Signing up to YouTube TV is a fairly easy process that takes just a few minutes to complete through the service’s website. However, there are some points to be aware of before signing up, including how long you get for free before making the first payment, as well as the general device and Home area limitations of the live TV streaming service.
YouTube TV might not be as old as some of the other live TV streaming services but it has proved to be a popular option and quickly risen the ranks to become one of the most subscribed to services. One of the reasons for this is the emphasis on features and a premium experience. For example, the service comes with an unlimited cloud DVR allowing subscribers to record as many shows and movies as they want without having to worry about recording space.
The unlimited cloud DVR is only one of the reasons to consider YouTube TV, with the service also coming loaded with a varied channel list, additional sports-related features such as key plays and in-game stats, and the ability to share an account with up to five other people, all of which are provided with a personalized experience, including their own individual recording space and library.
Signing up to YouTube TV for the first time
For consumers considering signing up to YouTube TV for the first time, the process is relatively simple. The main point to be aware of is that a YouTube TV account is linked to a Google account. While this can be set up during the signing up process, it is much easier and quicker if a Google account is already created and a payment method linked to the account.
How to sign up to YouTube TV:
- Go to the YouTube TV website
- Click on the “Try It Free” button
- Sign in with a Google account (or create new account)
- Confirm location with ZIP code
- Tap on “Next” to confirm base plan
- Add any extras/add-ons
- Click “Next: Checkout”
- Confirm payment method (or add new one)
- Click “Start Membership” to complete subscription
Once a membership has been started, new subscribers will immediately gain access to the service and the ability to watch any of the live TV channels or on demand videos. If a subscriber is taking advantage of a free trial, then the free period begins once the membership has been activated, and this is the first point to be aware of.
YouTube TV typically offers a seven-day free trial, but the actual length available depends on when a user signs up. In some cases, new subscribers may find they get as much as two weeks for free while others may find the free trial available at the time is as little as five or even two days. YouTube TV does make it clear how long the free trial is before signing up, so those looking to take advantage of a longer free trial may need to wait before signing up.
Device support and Home limitations
While YouTube TV offers a good live TV experience with a wide selection of channels, a subscription is only worth starting if the service supports the devices already available in the home. Generally speaking, YouTube TV does come with a decent level of device support for smart TVs and streaming players, but there are still gaps. In terms of TVs, the support mostly only extends to newer models, with owners of an older TV likely to find their device is not officially supported.
Likewise, while all the major streaming platforms are compatible, support can change. For example, Google and Roku recently entered a dispute which saw Roku devices losing the ability to download the YouTube TV app. Although there is a workaround available, the current Roku situation is something to be aware of before signing up.
Another device-related limitation is how YouTube TV approaches the Home area. Like some other live TV streaming services, YouTube TV expects subscribers to use the service while in a designated location which is typically defined as the “Home” area. While the service does allow subscribers to watch live TV and on demand content when outside the Home area, subscribers may find this can result in additional limitations, such as how many streams at the same time are available. If outside the home area for long enough, subscribers could end up being locked out of using the service until the account reconnects to the Home area again.
Signing up to YouTube TV summary
YouTube TV is a popular live TV streaming service and for good reason. For any consumers considering the service for live TV access, signing up to YouTube TV takes just a couple of clicks through the website. While an account can be created in advance, the process of signing up to YouTube TV is much quicker and easier if a Google account has already been created. Once a Google account is linked, starting a membership is just a matter of confirming the base package, adding any extras, and choosing a payment method.
There are some aspects that users may want to consider before signing up, however. The first is how long of a free trial is available at the time, as this can help to ensure new subscribers get enough of a free period to determine whether it is the right service for them before stating to pay. Other aspects worth checking before signing up is whether the devices in the home are supported and how the Home area works. The latter of which is particularly important for those considering using YouTube TV in multiple locations, or sharing with friends and family members not living in the same home.
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