tv.youtube.com

According to various reports, YouTube is gearing up for a digital media takeover. They have their hands in just about every category of streaming entertainment these days, and one way they try to get users to use their services is by constantly asking them if they want to try new features or programs. Unfortunately, simply clicking "no thanks" does not seem to work as intended and the next time you visit YouTube they will likely be asking again. If you don't want to be harassed by them, it might be best to say no from now on. Although all jokes aside, I have been curious to try one of YouTube's ancillary services for quite some time. As a huge music nut, and given the fact that more than half of my time on YouTube is spent watching videos of ripped MP3s that are hard to find on music streaming services, YouTube Music has piqued my interest on more than one occasion.

I have been hearing great things about YouTube TV so I am going to take a look at it today. Is it justified to reject their premium services right away? And why is the general public so reluctant to try them out?

Many people no longer trust YouTube because the site increasingly bombards users with ads. This has caused many people to turn off the site.

Since the 2016 presidential election, YouTube has been under fire for its lack of transparency around their video filtering process. This has led to numerous cases of censored videos and accounts being flagged by users as spam or violating the terms of service. This overbearing censorship has caused a PR crisis for YouTube, as users are gradually becoming disillusioned with the platform.

If you make a video on YouTube, it's important to keep in mind that YouTube can remove it at any time for a variety of reasons. Some of them are based on copyright concerns, inappropriate content mandates, or simply because YouTube doesn't like the message the video is trying to send. If you have a monetized channel, this could also mean that your videos are being demonetized for expressing views that YouTube doesn't agree with.

Many people see YouTube's decision to block the video as a dangerous precedent, because it gives the company control over what content can and cannot be seen.

I would like to take a look at one of the paid subscription services that YouTube offers, simply in the context of how it functions and whether it is worth our money. The potential with something like YouTube TV to be a godsend for cord-cutters all around the world is definitely something to consider.

History

YouTube TV is a new streaming service that went live in April of 2017 and is only available in five major markets. The service is meant to be an "over-the-top" internet television streaming platform designed to, I would imagine, ideally make traditional hardwired cable television networks obsolete. Or, at the very least, give them a run for their money. YouTube TV has offered live broadcasting of some of the top cable networks since its launch. Users have been able to live stream channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FX, and the Discovery Channel. YouTube TV has acquired even more networks over the past few months and now includes the Disney Channel, MSNBC, BBC, and too many others to list. Essentially, in a relatively short period of time YouTube TV had a substantial online cable network on their hands.

Design

Many people (myself included) dislike the basic site design of YouTube. I think it is cluttered and clunky, harder to navigate than is necessary, and more confusing than helpful when it comes to locating content on a page. I mean, this is to be expected when you haven't changed your site design or layout very much since you launched 15 years ago. YouTube TV has received mostly positive reviews from users, with many praising the slick design and modern look of the service. It is also praised for its streamlined and consistent interface no matter what device it is used on, and its ability to stream simultaneously on 3 separate devices. While some may find it more complicated to use than its predecessor, overall it is seen as a great option for those looking for a modern, intuitive TV service.

The layout of YouTube TV is familiar and without many flaws, resulting in the ability to pick it up and immediately know how to use it. This level of intuitive design is something that can only be achieved from an iconic site like YouTube.

Content

YouTube TV offers a large selection of television networks from which to choose, giving you live streaming access to 70+ channels. In addition, YouTube TV is a better deal than most local cable providers, providing the same amount of channels for less money. With YouTube TV, you can keep up with all your favorite shows no matter where you are. YouTube TV is a subscription service that gives you six unique accounts. This means that the whole family can watch and DVR whatever they want without having to weed through everything that everyone else in the family has chosen to favorite, follow, or record. Speaking of DVR, by the way, YouTube TV boasts the fact that its cloud-based recording capabilities make it the only DVR on the market with unlimited storage space. There is no limit on how many shows can be recorded simultaneously, too, and recordings are stored for 9 months. Stream anything from your DVR library on any device at any time, making TV viewing more convenient than ever before.

YouTube TV offers access to a variety of channels and local broadcasts, as well as original YouTube content from YouTube Premium. However, a YouTube Premium account is not included with the subscription.

Desktop and Mobile Experience

As I touched on earlier, YouTube TV functions and operates similarly to YouTube, only in a more dependable, less glitchy way. Whether you are streaming live television on your smartphone, desktop computer, or smart TV, this platform performs consistently. The new streaming service is completely streamlined and allows viewers to watch their shows from any device. This means that if you stop watching a show on one device and switch to another, you will be able to pick up where you left off (at least for recorded content). As far as live TV is concerned, switching devices is as easy as turning the television off and then back on again. No matter what device you are using, or what kind of device you are using, you can be guaranteed a consistent and convenient viewing experience.

Pricing and Plans

So, YouTube TV is a cheaper alternative to traditional cable television. The only catch is that you have to pay up-front for the service. That upfront fee you agree to pay is only $49.99 per month - cheaper if not on par with most cable plan prices.

Suggestions I Have for YouTube TV

I would like to see YouTube TV extend the time you can keep recorded programs. Ideally, you could keep at least some of them indefinitely, or, say, a few years. This would put other streaming services like Netflix or Hulu in hot water the way that YouTube has already put pressure on traditional cable providers.

Conclusion

Despite some public image backlash, it appears as if YouTube has done something right in recent years--and that something is YouTube TV. If you're already paying for cable, why not cut the cord and access almost all of the same content for cheaper, no matter what device you choose to view it on?