Cutting the cord and ditching expensive cable TV packages is becoming more and more popular. But many cord-cutters still want access to live TV channels. If you fall into this category and own a Fire TV device, then YouTube TV is an excellent live TV streaming service to consider installing.
What is YouTube TV Exactly?
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service created by Google that offers a cable-like experience completely over the internet. It provides live streams for over 85+ channels – including major broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and popular cable brands like ESPN, HGTV, TBS, AMC and more.
Some of the key features include:
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Cloud DVR – Record unlimited shows and movies to watch later. Storage space is unlimited.
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Multiple accounts – YouTube TV allows up to 6 accounts per household so each person gets their own login, recommendations and DVR library.
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3 concurrent streams – Up to 3 devices can stream simultaneously on YouTube TV with no additional fees.
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On-demand library – In addition to live TV, YouTube TV offers a large back-catalog of shows and movies you can watch anytime.
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No contracts – YouTube TV is billed monthly and you can cancel anytime since no long-term contracts are required.
YouTube TV works on many popular streaming platforms like Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs, iOS/Android mobile devices, and web browsers.
As of 2023, YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month. There are also add-on channel packages like HBO Max, Showtime, and Fox Soccer Plus for extra fees.
Now let‘s get YouTube TV downloaded and installed on your Fire TV device!
YouTube TV vs Other Live TV Streaming Services
How does YouTube TV compare to other live TV streaming options on the market? Here‘s a look at how some of the key features stack up:
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu Live TV | Sling TV | fuboTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.99/month | $69.99/month | $35-$50/month | $69.99/month |
| Channels | 85+ | 75+ | 30-40+ | 100+ |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited, 9 months | Limited to 50 hours | Add-on $5/month | 250 hours |
| Streams | 3 simultaneous | 2 simultaneous | 1-4 simultaneous | 2-10 simultaneous |
| On-demand | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Sports | Extensive, add-ons available | Extensive | Limited | Very extensive |
As you can see, YouTube TV is competitively priced and offers robust features compared to other live TV services. The unlimited DVR and wide channel availability make it a top choice. Next, let‘s get it installed on your Firestick, Fire TV or Fire TV Cube.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install YouTube TV on Firestick & Fire TV
Thanks to YouTube TV‘s recent addition to the Amazon Appstore, installing it on your Fire TV devices is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Search for YouTube TV App
From the home screen on your Firestick or Fire TV:
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Use the remote to navigate to the Search option and select it.
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In the Search field, type in "YouTube TV".
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YouTube TV should appear as a search result. Highlight it and click to open the app page.
2. Download YouTube TV
On the YouTube TV app page:
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Click the Download button to begin the download process.
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Downloading takes just 1-2 minutes depending on your internet connection speed.
3. Move YouTube TV to Your Preferred Position
Once downloaded, it‘s time to move YouTube TV to your preferred spot on the home screen:
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Press the Back button on your remote to return to the Firestick/Fire TV home screen.
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Scroll to and highlight the YouTube TV app icon.
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Press and hold the Select button on your remote. This brings up a context menu.
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Choose the Move option.
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On the Manage Applications screen, use the remote to move YouTube TV to your desired position on the home page.
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Once positioned where you want, tap Select again to save the changes.
4. Launch the YouTube TV App
YouTube TV is now installed and ready to launch:
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Return to the Firestick/Fire TV home screen.
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Navigate to and select the YouTube TV app icon to open it.
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Sign up and activate your account or login to an existing one.
And that‘s all it takes! YouTube TV is now up and running on your Firestick or Fire TV. Let‘s look at installation on the Fire TV Cube next.
How to Install YouTube TV on Fire TV Cube
The process to get YouTube TV on the hands-free Fire TV Cube is almost identical. Just use these Alexa voice commands:
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Say "Alexa, find YouTube TV" to search for the app.
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When it appears, say "Alexa, download YouTube TV".
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Once downloaded, say "Alexa, move YouTube TV to the front" to reposition it.
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Then say "Alexa, open YouTube TV" to launch the app and sign up/login.
It only takes a minute or two to install with these simple Alexa voice instructions on Fire TV Cube.
How to Sign Up for YouTube TV
Once you have the app ready to go, it‘s time to signup for a membership. Here‘s an overview of what‘s involved:
Choose Your Base Package
YouTube TV‘s base package is $64.99 per month as of early 2023. This includes:
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Over 85+ live TV channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, TNT, and many more.
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Unlimited cloud DVR storage to record programs.
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On-demand library with thousands of shows and movies.
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Up to 3 simultaneous streams.
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Access on mobile devices when away from home.
Add Premium Channels (Optional)
You can complement the base package with these add-on premium channel options:
- HBO Max – $14.99/month
- Showtime – $10.99/month
- Cinemax – $9.99/month
- STARZ – $8.99/month
- EPIX – $5.99/month
- Fox Soccer Plus – $14.99/month
- NBA League Pass – $39.99/month
- MLB.TV – $24.99/month
Start Your Free Trial
One of the best perks of YouTube TV is the free 5-day trial offered to new subscribers. This gives you 5 days to evaluate the service before paying.
To signup, launch the YouTube TV app on your Fire TV and select Start Free Trial. Follow the prompts to create your account and provide payment information. They won‘t charge you until the trial ends.
Create Your Household
With your membership, you can create up to 6 accounts per household. Each person gets their own login, recommendations and DVR library.
To add family members, go to Settings > Family > Invite family members. They‘ll receive an email to join your YouTube TV household.
Pick Your Payment Method
YouTube TV accepts these payment options:
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Credit/debit card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
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PayPal
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YouTube TV gift cards – Sold at retailers like Best Buy and Target
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Google Play balance – If you have money in your Google Play account
You‘ll be billed monthly around the same day each month. And since there are no contracts, you can cancel anytime online through your account.
Now that you‘re signed up, let‘s look at some of the best features YouTube TV offers.
Key Features and Benefits of YouTube TV
YouTube TV delivers an impressive live TV streaming experience. Here are some of the standout features users love:
Huge Channel Lineup With 85+ Options
YouTube TV offers over 85+ popular live TV channels spanning:
News: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CBS News, BBC World News
Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, TBS, TNT, Golf Channel, MLB Network
Entertainment: TBS, AMC, Bravo, E!, FX, Syfy, Paramount Network
Kids: Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network
Lifestyle: HGTV, Food Network, Tastemade, Discovery
…and many more. You can easily browse channels with the on-screen guide.
Stream on Multiple Devices Simultaneously
Most streaming services only allow 1 or 2 concurrent streams. But YouTube TV permits up to 3 devices streaming at the same time, at no extra cost.
So one person can be watching on the living room TV while another streams on a phone and a third views on a tablet simultaneously.
Unlimited Cloud DVR Included
YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage in the cloud to record live TV. Record as many shows as you want and they are stored for 9 months before being deleted.
This means you‘ll never run out of recording space again! Plus, your recordings are stored securely online and accessible anywhere.
No Long-Term Contracts Required
Unlike traditional cable, YouTube TV does not make you sign any annual contracts. You pay month-to-month and can cancel anytime right from your account. This provides great flexibility.
Large On-Demand Library
In addition to 85+ live channels, YouTube TV offers an expansive on-demand library with 1000s of shows and movies you can watch anytime. Browse hits from AMC, HGTV, TBS and other networks.
Stream Nationwide and on Mobile
Once signed up, you can stream YouTube TV on your smartphone, tablet or laptop no matter where you travel nationwide. Just download the app and login to access your DVR recordings and live channels.
Profiles for Each Household Member
As mentioned, YouTube TV allows up to 6 accounts per household. Each profile gets personalized recommendations and their own DVR library of recordings.
No Hidden Fees
What you see is what you pay with YouTube TV. The only added fees are for optional premium channel add-ons if you choose to purchase them. No broadcast fees, DVR fees or other surprises.
Works Great on Fire TV Devices
YouTube TV is seamlessly integrated on Firestick, Fire TV, and Fire TV Cube. Just install the app from the Amazon App Store and start streaming.
Tips for Using YouTube TV on Firestick and Fire TV
To maximize your YouTube TV experience on Fire TV devices, keep these handy tips in mind:
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Use the integrated channel guide to browse live TV listings and set recordings.
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Customize your channel lineup by hiding unwanted channels from the guide.
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Enable parental controls through Settings to restrict viewing for kids.
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For the best streaming quality, use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi if possible.
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Check for Fire TV software updates so you are running the latest firmware.
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Restart your Firestick/Fire TV periodically to clear any cached memory issues.
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Connect Fire TV to amplified speakers for better audio quality on live sports and movies.
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Take YouTube TV with you on-the-go by downloading the mobile app for your smartphone or tablet.
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If you experience playback issues, try reinstalling the YouTube TV app from scratch.
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Buy a premium HDMI cable to get the fastest speed between your Fire TV and television.
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Position the Firestick/Fire TV near the center of the TV for optimal WiFi signal and infrared reception.
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Enable "Fast TV start" in Settings for quicker launch when pressing the Fire TV button.
YouTube TV Reviews: What Real Users Are Saying
Don‘t just take my word for it! Here are excerpts from real YouTube TV user reviews:
"I‘ve tried Sling TV, Hulu Live, DirecTV Stream, but I‘ve been happiest overall with YouTube TV. Excellent channel lineup, unlimited DVR, and allows 3 streams which is great for my family."
"The channel guide is really intuitive and easy to navigate. Makes finding and recording shows simple. Loving all the sports channels too from ESPN to NFL Network!"
"I‘m saving over $100 per month compared to my old cable bundle…yet still getting 80+ of my favorite channels on YouTube TV. Plus way more flexibility with unlimited cloud DVR. Couldn‘t be happier."
"Picture quality is fantastic, very comparable to satellite or cable. No buffering or lag even when my kids are streaming on multiple devices. Highly recommend YouTube TV!"
The vast majority of feedback from real YouTube TV subscribers is overwhelmingly positive based on value provided at a competitive price point.
Now let‘s recap the step-by-step process of getting YouTube TV installed on your Fire TV.
Conclusion and Next Steps
To recap, here are the key steps covered in this guide to install YouTube TV on your Firestick, Fire TV or Fire TV Cube:
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On your Fire TV device, search for "YouTube TV" in the search bar. Select the app from results.
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Click the Download button on the YouTube TV app page. Wait 1-2 minutes for it to install.
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Press the Back button and move YouTube TV to your preferred spot on the home screen.
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Launch the YouTube TV app to signup and activate your account.
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Signup for a membership starting with the 5-day free trial. Select any premium add-ons you want.
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Create your household by adding family member accounts. Pick a payment option.
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Start streaming 85+ live TV channels, recordings and on-demand shows!
YouTube TV brings an exceptional live TV viewing experience to your Fire TV. Sign up to enjoy tons of entertainment and unlimited DVR storage for just $64.99 a month. With no contracts or hidden fees, it‘s cheaper than cable.
I hope this detailed walkthrough helped explain exactly how to get YouTube TV downloaded and running on your Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, or hands-free Fire TV Cube. Now kick back and enjoy live sports, news and movies!
