YouTube TV unveils generous new offers for subscribers

A whopping 99% of Americans pay for at least one streaming service, while nearly 10% of households pay for more than five streaming services, according to Forbes. 

A July Pew Research Center survey revealed slightly different numbers, suggesting that 83% of U.S. adults use streaming services. While the numbers don’t match, both figures indicate a growing popularity of streaming. 

The competition among streamers is fierce, and Netflix is still the leader in the industry with more than half of Forbes survey respondents preferring its interface. On a global level, Netflix has more than 300 million subscribers, while YouTube TV has around 9 million customers, according to Stream TV Insider. 

On average, households pay $46 per month or around $552 per year on streaming subscriptions, which is close to what traditional cable used to cost. The price remains a major factor for many subscribers, as the majority of surveyed subscribers say they would cut services if prices increased. 

“However, only 10% of people said they wouldn’t cut any subscription regardless of price increases. The majority would be willing to eliminate subscriptions, with Disney+ being the first to go for the highest percentage of people, at 44%,” writes Forbes. 

At times when there are many streaming options to choose from, streaming providers are going above and beyond to retain old customers and attract new ones. With price point being one of the major factors for many subscribers, YouTube TV has just confirmed a major move to make its service more affordable. 

YouTube TV to launch more than 10 genre-specific packages 

YouTube TV confirmed on Dec. 10 that it will launch a more affordable premium streaming experience in 2026. The news follows up on the Nov. announcement, now revealing more details. 

The streaming giant said it will launch more than 10 genre-specific packages, aiming to provide more choice and flexibility to its subscribers. 

Google’s streaming service specially highlighted YouTube TV Sports plan, suggesting that its customers will probably be most interested in this offering. This aligns with the Deloitte Center for Technology, Media & Telecommunications 2025 Digital Media Trends survey, which revealed that 43% of Gen Z and millennials are willing to pay more for streaming video subscriptions that contain access to live sports. 

This is not YouTube TV’s only sports-related venture recently. In Nov. the streamer also rolled out a new 24-hour sports channel: NBC Sports Network

YouTube TV Sports Plan will include: 

• FS1
• NBC Sports Network 
• All ESPN Networks 
• ESPN Unlimited 

Subscribers can include add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone, and keep all fan-favorite features, including unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view.

Users can still choose YouTube TV’s main plan with more than 100 channels, or select sports only tiers, combine sports and news, or select plans with family and entertainment content.

YouTube TV also said that the details of its other genre-specific offerings will be revealed soon. 

Competition is growing, YouTube TV is not the first streamer to introduce bundles 

On a global level, the video streaming market was valued at around $674.25 billion in 2024, and in the US alone, the industry is projected to reach more than $610 billion by 2032. 

The top giants in the streaming world include Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Amazon, Prime Video, Sling TV, HBO Max, and more. Some of these companies already have similar genre-specific packages in its offering. 

For example, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+  provide various tiered bundle deals in the US, according to Business Insider. 

Direct TV also has a multitude of packs to choose from, such as My Entertainment, My Sports, Mi Español, My Kids, My News and more. 

In 2024, Ross Benes, eMarketer’s senior analyst for TV and streaming told Variety that the new streaming bundles are “only going to make cord-cutting worse. 

Morgan Stanley analyst Ben Swinburne wrote in a 2024 research that new bundles and offers are part of the “streaming market repair.” According to Swinburne, bundles make a trade-off deal as less subscribers cancel services, however the specific-genre packages also result in less money per subscriber. 

More Streaming:

• Amazon Prime Video introduces major free upgrade for US subscribers
• Disney’s CEO shares bad news for its biggest rivals
• Key streaming service drops generous offer for its subscribers

Subscribers share a mixed stance on YouTube TV’s genre-specific bundles 

Previously, users went to Reddit and suggested that YouTube TV should launch genre-specific packages. Comments on the news reveal not only enthusiasm but also skepticism. 

The older Reddit thread started with a suggestion by user Gadget Freeky: “YouTube TV should really consider launching optional genre packs, similar to what DirecTV Stream offers. For example, a ‘News Pack’ could bundle premium channels like CNN, CNBC, BBC World News, Bloomberg, and others for a small add-on price.” 

Many users supported the idea, arguing that this would be a great move to enable subscribers to better customize their experience. 

However, a new Reddit thread showcases mixed opinions, with some users thinking YouTube TV’s latest move could save them money or provide them with more relevant options, and a number of subscribers doubting the plans will be cheaper in a meaningful way or worrying about missing some channels. 

User BradCOnReddit was skeptical about the offers, focusing on price, “None of it matters without pricing.” 

User ItsDealSeason seconded that opinion, saying, “While some plans will be centered on news, entertainment, family, etc I guarantee there will be some channels (main ESPN for one) that will still be included in every plan. You'll still be paying high monthly costs, but can maybe save $10-15 by giving up a few lower-tier channels.” 

A number of subscribers were more enthusiastic with user Bassically-Normal, suggesting that this move can be “game-changing.”

“Even if the 'I want everything' pack stays the same, letting people pick and choose blocks of channels where 1-2 of them cost significantly less is going to make them fairly unique in the streaming wars, and will likely attract a ton of new customers.” 

Another group of users asked for a more flexible model. For example, user beeker888 said, “I really wish I could just choose Ala Carte. Like ESPN $10, CBS $4, TNT $5, whatever. I have no idea how they’d value them. But give me like 5 channels, and I’m generally good.” 

Overall, YouTube TV is pushing hard for its place in the highly-competitive streaming universe, and the recent move towards more affordable service makes a major move. Will this result in a higher price for its all content plans, as some users fear, it remains to be seen. 

Related: CNN makes generous limited-time offer to subscribers