YouTube’s new tv streaming service for cord-cutters has finally arrived for customers in five major US markets.
The new service, dubbed YouTube TV, gives subscribers access to dozens of channels that normally would require a cable subscription, putting it in direct competition with the likes of Hulu, Sling TV, DirecTV Now and Playstation Vue.
Subscriptions to YouTube TV cost $35 per month. The service is launching with a free 30 day trial. Right now you can only sign up if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, or Chicago. More cities are coming soon.
The new service is separate from YouTube RED. To watch shows you’ll have to download the YouTube TV app for iOS or Android. You can also watch via the web.
Unfortunately, the only way to watch YouTube TV on an actual TV is via Google ChromeCast. YouTube doesn’t have an app for Apple TV yet, though one is supposedly on the way.
YouTube TV gives streamers access to popular stations like CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN and FX. In total there are 39 stations at launch with 10 more (AMC, BBC America, IFC, and others) arriving later this year.
If you don’t live in one of the 5 launch markets, you can go to the YouTube TV website and request to get notified when it’s available in your area.
