As cable TV subscriber numbers dwindle, online alternatives are rapidly gaining traction. Not to be left behind, Google today announced YouTube TV, a special subscription that lets you watch live television channels on YouTube. According to the company, it’s “live TV designed for the YouTube generation.”
Google has partnered with networks including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN to populate the service with content. There’s breaking news programs, live sporting events and catch-up entertainment and dramas. Local TV stations across America are also on board, giving you access to regional shows relevant to your area.
The falling popularity of cable subscriptions has been attributed to the limitations of traditional TV. You have to be at home to watch it and you can’t always schedule shows when you want them. Even with a DVR, only so much space is available to record. Google is pitching YouTube TV as a solution to all of these problems through its inclusion of a cloud storage facility.
You’ll be able to record live TV shows to the YouTube TV Cloud DVR and play them all whenever you want, on any device. There’s space for an unlimited number of shows and each recording is saved for up to nine months. The feature doesn’t require any storage space on the device you access YouTube with.
YouTube TV is an aggressive entry into TV streaming from Google. It is joining a rapidly growing pool of services attempting to convert people from cable subscriptions. Sony’s PlayStation Vue and AT&T’s DirectTV Now are amongst YouTube’s major competitors.
Google will be monetising the platform with its usual suite of YouTube ads, displayed before and during videos. It will be relying on the broad appeal of YouTube’s brand to sell the service. Since many people are already familiar with the site, consumers could be more likely to pick YouTube over its lesser-known rivals. Its announcement comes a day after it was revealed the world now watches YouTube for one billion hours each day.
Google is targeting regular TV viewers who are frustrated with the lack of options when it comes to watching live programs. The company said that people “want TV to be more like YouTube,” incorporating an on-demand element that followers them across their devices.
“Consumers have made it clear that they want live TV without all the hassle,” said Google. “They don’t want to worry about their DVR filling up. They don’t want to miss a great game or their favorite show because they’re on the go. [YouTube TV] is designed for the YouTube generation – those who want to watch what they want, how they want, without commitments.”
YouTube TV will initially launch in large cities across the U.S. It will begin to roll-out “soon” with a wider expansion to more American cities coming later in the year. Google has priced the service at $35 a month, claiming to be “half the cost of cable.”
You can cancel your membership at any time, overcoming another major gripe with traditional cable networks. As an added bonus, each YouTube TV subscription can be used with six different accounts, letting you purchase once and connect all your family members. At launch, 40 TV networks will be available through the service.
