YouTube Joins TV Bandwagon With Cable Alternative; ABC, FOX And More

Cable companies really have something to worry about now. YouTube just announced that it would be offering users who don’t have or are thinking about cutting their cable plans an alternative so that they could continue watching their favorite programs without being beholden to exorbitant monthly fees. It may not be the first to offer such a service, but it’s certainly one of the most influential.

The idea that the internet would someday replace cable TV has been around for decades, but so far, it hasn’t happened. The best that platforms like YouTube could do is present users with clips of news segments or TV programs, on top of the amateur videos and original content that YouTubers create. With the rather blandly named “YouTube TV,” this is about to change.

“Stream ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC & more,” the service’s notification page reads. “Never run out of DVR storage space. 6 accounts, 1 price. $35/month. Cancel anytime.”

Aside from some of the biggest news networks in the US, the service will also allow users to watch programs from networks like The CW such as The Flash and Arrow. Then there’s SportsCenter and Showtime. Based on the progression of the service, it would seem that YouTube TV is only going to keep adding more networks and programs on its list.

The service itself will be provided as a standalone App, separate from main YouTube channel where all the cat and baby videos are found. The app works on a monthly subscription basis with up to 35 channels available, The Verge reports.

As to when the service itself will launch, YouTube has given no indication with regards to the specific date or even an approximation. There might also be some hiccups when it comes to streaming rights for international customers since there are issues with regional restrictions.