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Can you download shows and movies with YouTube TV?

Can you download shows and movies with YouTube TV?

Most live TV streamers don’t allow for TV or movie downloads. What about YouTube TV?

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.

By and large, live TV streaming services don’t offer the ability to download TV shows and movies for offline viewing. That feature is typically reserved for on-demand streaming services, which have more original content and are generally easier to use offline. YouTube TV has made its way in the live TV streaming world by doing things somewhat differently than other services, however. What about downloads? Does its independent streak mean YouTube TV customers can download TV shows and movies to watch offline?

What you need to know about downloading TV shows and movies on YouTube TV

Can you download with YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV does indeed allow you to download TV shows and movies to watch offline — with one important catch: you have to sign up for the 4K Plus add-on with the YouTube TV base plan. This costs an extra $10 per month on top of the base plan price, and includes 4K viewing ability on available content, unlimited concurrent streams in the account owner’s home, and the ability to download TV shows and movies.

It’s also important to note that YouTube TV will only allow you to download select content, and only titles you’ve recorded with its DVR. This last is important to remember; you must record a title with your DVR if you want to watch it offline with YouTube TV. In addition, downloads are only available to watch on smartphones and tablets, not on connected TV devices.

How to download shows and movies on YouTube TV

  1. Open the YouTube TV app on your mobile device.
  2. Find the Library tab.
  3. Locate the title you want to download.
  4. Tap the download button.

How to watch downloaded titles on YouTube TV

  1. Once disconnected from the internet, open the YouTube TV app.
  2. Select Downloads.
  3. Play the title you want.

What limits does YouTube TV place on downloads?

YouTube TV only allows subscribers to download TV shows and movies on one device at a time. In addition, viewers must connect to the internet once every 30 days to keep their downloaded videos. All downloaded titles will expire nine months after the original recording is made.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

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Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

Free Trial

New customers can save $15 per month for 5 months.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

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