A few months ago, YouTube TV announced that it was adding a number of Viacom channels “this summer”. Well that time has come, eight Viacom channels are available starting today, and so is a price increase for YouTube TV, it is now going to cost you $64.99 per month.
Most of us saw this coming, even though YouTube TV did not mention it when it announced the addition of Viacom channels. But with more channels being added, YouTube TV prices were bound to go up. Seeing as they are going to be paying more licensing fees for these new channels.
However, this is a pretty steep price increase. YouTube TV started out at $35, then went to $40 per month for some users. Last year, it jumped to $50 for everyone, and now it is $65.
What channels are being added?
YouTube TV is adding eight channels effective today. And these include BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1.
The company notes that the other channels – including BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., NickToons and TeenNick – are coming at a “later date”.
So you’re getting eight more channels, and that brings the total to over 85 channels available on YouTube TV. That puts it ahead of the likes of Hulu + Live TV and even some of AT&T’s many streaming services. Of course, YouTube TV is now more expensive than Hulu + Live TV, so that makes sense.
Of course, with YouTube TV, you’re still getting the unlimited cloud DVR, which makes the price worth it. Being able to record just about everything you want, and not having to worry about it using up all of your DVR space is definitely a game changer. And YouTube TV is the only one that has this feature.
Does this make YouTube TV the best streaming live TV service?
It all depends on your needs, whether YouTube TV is the best streaming live TV service or not. But based on features and channel selection, it is definitely up there.
For $65 per month, you’re getting six accounts so you can share with your family. You also get 85+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR and much more. Not many other streaming services offer that, eve with a much higher price. So I’d say it is still pretty much number one.
It’s also worth mentioning that most streaming Live TV services do not have the Viacom channels – really only Philo does. So this is a big deal for YouTube TV.