Simultaneous streaming limits are one hugely important thing to consider before signing up for a particular streaming service. After all, only being able to watch content on one or two devices at the same time may cause a few issues in your household. Here, we’re going to be focusing on YouTube TV. How many devices can you stream with YouTube TV? We’ll cover that, as well as whether there’s the option to pay for more streams and everything you need to know about YouTube TV’s family sharing feature. Head here for our full YouTube TV review.
YouTube TV watching limits
So can you share YouTube TV? Currently, the service only offers one plan at $64.99/mo. This gives each user 3 simultaneous streams. That means 3 separate devices can stream live or recorded content at the same time, which may be enough for a small household but a problem for bigger households with varying TV tastes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re streaming via a phone or a computer, or if you’re connected to a network that’s not your home network. If three devices are using YouTube TV, a fourth won’t be able to. Unfortunately, YouTube TV’s watching limits can’t be upgraded in any way. While some streaming platforms let users pay for more streams, 3 is all you can get via YouTube TV.
Thankfully, the one and only plan that YouTube TV has includes plenty of live local channels. The full network list has more than 85 names, including the big four (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) along with the likes of Telemundo and The CW. Bear in mind that some areas may receive more local channels than others, but YouTube TV currently gives complete local network coverage in more than 98% of TV households in the US. And even if you can’t access a particular local channel in your area, you can watch its on-demand content in all areas the very next day.
When it comes to games, regional sports networks differ by area, too. Enter your ZIP Code into the YouTube TV site to see exactly which channels your area receives. But generally, you can expect local sports from the likes of regional Fox and NBC channels. Plus, having access to local games and news via YouTube TV means you won’t have to worry about the signal from your antenna. Find out more about YouTube TV’s channels and pricing.
What devices can I use to stream YouTube TV?
YouTube TV aims to be accessible to people across the entire country. So it’s no wonder that its compatible device list includes everything from smart TVs and mobile devices to web browsers and even game consoles. Here’s every device that you can currently stream YouTube TV content on:
- Amazon Fire TV devices.
- Android devices.
- Android TV.
- Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K.
- HiSense TVs (models MTK5658, MTK5659, MSD6586).
- iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or later.
- LG smart TVs (2016 models and newer).
- PlayStation 4.
- Roku devices.
- Samsung smart TVs (2016 models and newer).
- Vizio SmartCast TVs.
- Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox).
- Xbox One, One S, and One X consoles.
How many user profiles can I have on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV may only come with 3 simultaneous streams, but it allows up to 6 household members to share 1 subscription account. Once you’re a fully-fledged member of the service, simply create a family group. Each person you invite can set up their own user profile, which allows them to view a personalized library with individual viewing preferences and DVRs.
There are a few restrictions to be aware of when it comes to YouTube TV sharing. Family members must be 13 or older to have a profile and must all live in the same household for most of the time. To stay within the group, all members must also use YouTube TV in the home network location from time to time. Unfortunately, the family group doesn’t affect how many devices you can stream with YouTube TV. The limit is still 3, no matter how many members you have.
Can I download content on my devices?
While YouTube TV gives a high number of user profiles (and unlimited DVR), it’s missing one big feature: offline viewing. Right now, it’s not possible to download any of the content broadcast via YouTube TV. That means you’ll need to have a good internet connection any time you want to use the service.
Luckily, plenty of other streaming platforms give users the chance to download content to watch offline. Hulu is one live TV service offering just that. But there’s a catch. You’ll have to pay a little extra to become a Hulu No Ads subscriber. Standard Hulu users will have to pay $11.99/mo., while live TV users will be charged $60.99/mo.
Most Hulu content can be downloaded onto mobile or tablet devices. The only titles you won’t be able to watch offline are shows and movies from premium add-ons or any extra on-demand content that comes with a live TV subscription. One user can enjoy up to 25 downloads at once and will get 30 days to watch downloaded titles before they disappear from the Hulu library.
The final cut
Now that you know everything about YouTube TV’s simultaneous streams, user profiles, and offline capabilities, you may have made up your mind about the service. But if you’re still wondering whether 3 streams is enough for your household, why not sign up for a 7-day free trial? The service is even offering a free Chromecast device to all new users after their first monthly payment.