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Does YouTube TV offer premium audio formats?

Does YouTube TV offer premium audio formats?

Many live TV streaming services omit the ability to watch content in surround sound. What abou 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.
YouTube TV on a phone screen.

YouTube TV offers a wide range of features other streamers haven’t perfected yet. Viewers can watch sports and other programming with a multiview on YouTube TV, and the streamer offers 4K video on some live channels with an optional monthly add-on.

Here, we’ll explain whether or not customers can watch a YouTube TV subscription with premium audio. Learn more about the streamer and its premium audio options below!

What you need to know about watching YouTube TV with premium audio

Does YouTube TV have premium audio formats?

Yes! Unlike many live TV streaming services, YouTube TV offers viewers the ability to watch some live programming in 5.1 surround sound. This setting won’t be available on all videos on YouTube TV, but customers will be able to use it while watching a wide selection of programming, including live sports.

How to enable surround sound on YouTube TV

As long as you have a device compatible with surround sound while watching YouTube TV, and the chosen program supports it as well, it will play in 5.1 sound automatically.

What devices are compatible with 5.1 surround sound on YouTube TV?

Viewers can watch TV shows and movies with 5.1 surround sound on the following devices:

  • Apple TV
  • Samsung + LG + Vizio devices with Cobalt 20 or above
  • Traditional Chromecasts
  • Android TV
  • Google TV
  • Roku
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Stick with 4K Ultra HD
  • Xbox

How to know if your program is playing in surround sound on YouTube TV

If you want to check to see if you are streaming in surround sound with YouTube TV, open the YouTube TV app and start playb ack. Go to the player controls, then select the three-dot More menu. Click the small bug icon, and check the Stats for nerds display. If surround sound is available on your chosen program, you’ll see AC-3/EAC-3 listed in the Codecs section.

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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