Latest from Tom's Guide in Youtube

I turned YouTube into an AI bootcamp with NotebookLM — here's my workflow

amanda.caswell@futurenet.com (Amanda Caswell) — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Up until a few weeks ago I used YouTube the way most people do. I'd save dozens of interesting videos to my Watch Later playlist, promise myself I'd watch them someday and then, well, I'd never quite get around to it.

When I did finally press play, I'd often skip ahead or skip the video completely rather than devoting an entire 30 or 40 minutes watching a tutorial. And attempting to remember one useful tip, was a game in itself. I'd always go back and try to find the exact moment where something special was mentioned in the video.

NotebookLM completely changed that. Now, instead of watching videos from beginning to end, I now upload them into Google's NotebookLM and transform the videos into an interactive course that I can question, compare and revisit whenever I need it.

It's quickly become one of my favorite ways to learn and I've even gotten my kids involved with it so they continue to learn over the summer.

Why NotebookLM works so well with YouTube

Keep in mind that NotebookLM relies on YouTube's auto-generated transcripts, so it works best for talking-head videos, lectures,and tutorials rather than highly visual, text-free edits. You can easily check if a video has a transcript by simply clicking the "Show Transcript" button. That said, if you don't see it, there probably isn't one but you don't need to stop there. You can always turn on Gemini Live to take notes and record the video to later upload into NotebookLM.

Getting videos into NotebookLM is surprisingly easy. Create a new notebook, click Add source, choose Website, then paste the URL of any YouTube video. NotebookLM automatically pulls in the video's transcript (when one is available), making it searchable alongside any other sources you add.

Once they're inside a notebook, they become searchable knowledge, so instead of hunting through timestamps, I simply ask.

That means you can ask questions like:

What are the three biggest takeaways?
Explain this as if I'm a beginner.
Which parts disagree with another video?
What tools does this creator recommend?
Give me a checklist based on everything covered.

My AI bootcamp workflow

1. I collect videos instead of watching them immediately.

Whenever I find a great video, I simply save it to a playlist until I have a topic worth exploring. This could be a video about an AI workflow, AI tutorial, Claude Skills, Local AI, MCP servers or anything else I find interesting.

My husband has a lawn care business, so he saves instructional videos for topics like pruning, edging, tools and tricks. Similarly, I save videos for my kids on topics they like.

Once I have several videos covering the same subject, I move to NotebookLM.

2. I upload several videos to NotebookLM

(Image credit: Future)

This is where the magic starts. Instead of asking NotebookLM to summarize one creator, I feed it multiple perspectives on the same topic. The way I see it, five creators explaining AI agents is much more valuable than one. That way, NotebookLM starts finding patterns and interesting perspectives between them.

It identifies ideas that everyone agrees on and points out where opinions differ. That gives me a much broader understanding than simply watching videos one after another.

3. I ask questions instead of watching passively

Rather than sitting through hours of content, I ask questions to NotebookLM the way I might actually discuss the topic with the person in the video. Best of all, I get answers right away so it's a lot like talking directly to a private tutor. Questions I might ask are:

What concepts appear in every video?
What advice is unique?
Which workflow seems easiest for beginners?
What mistakes should I avoid?
If I only had one hour, what should I learn first?

4. I generate a study guide

(Image credit: Future)

Once I've explored the material, I need something practical instead of relying on memory. That's when I ask NotebookLM to create:

a beginner roadmap
a glossary
flashcards
a checklist
a step-by-step learning plan

5. I create an Audio Overview

One of my favorite NotebookLM features is Audio Overviews. Instead of reading pages of notes, NotebookLM creates a conversational audio discussion based on the sources I've uploaded.

I'll often listen while driving, running or making dinner. It's an easy way to reinforce what I've already learned without opening my laptop again.

A few final thoughts

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

This method absolutely beats binge-watching YouTube. And while there's nothing wrong with watching great creators, after a while, I realized I wasn't building knowledge, I was just consuming content. YouTube is simply the source material. From there, NotebookLM organizes it, compares it, quizzes me on it and turns hours of videos into something that feels much closer to a personalized AI course. For anyone trying to keep up with how quickly AI is changing, it's one of the smartest free workflows I've found.

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Share your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Amanda Caswell and stay ahead of the AI curve

How to watch CazeTV from anywhere outside Brazil

Jakob Barnes — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:53:08 +0000

Watch @CazeTV YouTube Channel (Brazil restricted)
OUTSIDE BRAZIL? WATCH CAZETV ANYWHERE WITH A FAST VPN
Watch World Cup in 4K for free

If you hadn't heard about CazeTV prior to the World Cup, the chances are you have now. It's the free YouTube channel that's got everyone talking this tournament, not least of all because it's given Brazilian citizens to the chance to watch FIFA World Cup games in 4K - all 104 of them!

Created by 32-year-old streamer Casimiro Miguel originally started out on Twitch, but he's now making waves on YouTube thanks to CazeTV. The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo is the latest to buy shares in the company certainly helps matters, too.

Meanwhile, Globo, the biggest and longest-running broadcaster in Brazil only carries 55 of the World Cup matches. Boo!

Ready to catch every minute of the World Cup on CazeTV from anywhere in the world? Whether you’re on the beaches of Brazil or stuck in Europe, our guide reveals how to stream CazeTV from anywhere.

How to watch CazeTV for free

CazeTV is a 100% free YouTube channel providing 4K coverage of sporting action like the World Cup. The only catch is it's only licensed for live games in Brazil.

So, if you're in Brazil, you can access CazeTV free of charge, with no subscription, and get all the games from the World Cup and more.

Not in Brazil? You can watch CazeTV when traveling outside Brazil with a VPN like Norton (try 60 days).

Warning! Not all VPNs work with CazeTV, but we've tested Norton and it does...

How to watch CazeTV from anywhere

🏆 Tom's Guide No.1 Streaming VPN – Try 60 days 🏆

We recently crowned Norton VPN our No.1 Streaming VPN. Blazingly fast. Secure. Works on phones, laptops and smart TVs. So you can stream World Cup coverage from anywhere, on any device.

✅ 60-day money-back guarantee
🔓 Unlocks CazeTV
⚽ Quick! Up to 63% off Norton VPN plans

Catch every World Cup goal live with Norton VPN!View Deal

Do you need a VPN to watch CazeTV from abroad?

Yes – it's confirmed that a good VPN that connects you to a Brazilian server is required to bypass the geo-restriction so CazeTV thinks you’re back in Brazil.

If you're not in Brazil, the only way to access CazeTV will be through a VPN – we favor Norton for its fast speeds and low price.

What streaming devices are supported by CazeTV?

📱 Mobile & Web

Android phones & tablets (Android L or later)
iPhone & iPad (iOS 15 or later)
Web browsers — watch via tv.youtube.com on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.

📺 Smart TVs

Samsung Smart TVs (2017 & newer)
LG Smart TVs (2016 & newer)
Vizio SmartCast TVs (select models)
Hisense Smart TVs (select models)
Sharp Smart TVs (select models)
Sony Smart TVs (select models)
(Support varies by model and app store availability)

🎮 Streaming Media Players & Set‑tops

Roku players & Roku TVs
Apple TV (4th gen & 4K)
Chromecast with Google TV / Google TV devices
Android TV devices (including built‑in TVs and boxes)
Amazon Fire TV devices & Fire TV Edition TVs
(App must be available in the device’s store)

🎮 Game Consoles & Smart Displays

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4/Pro
Google Nest Hub / Smart displays with YouTube support

How many people watch CazeTV?

To put into perspective just how big CazeTV has become, its coverage of Brazil's opening game of the World Cup against Morocco brought in 12.4 million concurrent viewers at its peak. That makes it the biggest live audience in YouTube history and it was also the first time a solo streamer managed to surpass 10 million viewers.

What can you watch on CazeTV?

As well as featuring live streams of every single World Cup 2026 game, you can find the following content on CazeTV:

English Premier League
La Liga
Bundesliga
Serie A
Ligue 1
The Olympics
NFL
World Table Tennis
Sports documentaries
Behind the scenes footage and training coverage
Influencer and lifestyle content

Who owns CazeTV?

Streamer Casimiro Miguel is the owner and founder of CazeTV. He is primarily a content creator having made his name on Twitch and YouTube.

Now, Miguel has worked with the likes of TNT Sports Brazil, De Sola and EI Games, and is one of the most popular and successful streamers in Brazil.

More recently, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo became a shareholder of CazeTV. Just how much of a stake he has in the company is unknown, but it is believed Ronaldo made a significant investment in LiveModeTV, the streaming enterprise behind CazeTV (per SportCal).

Is CazeTV legal?

Yes, CazeTV is totally legal. The channel acquired official broadcast rights to stream all the 2026 World Cup matches, having previously streamed games from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

More from Tom's Guide

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

How to watch Fubo from anywhere (free trial)

Tom Bailey — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:42:14 +0000

Stream Fubo (free trial) in the U.S.
Abroad: Watch Fubo anywhere with a fast VPN (try 60 days)
All 104 World Cup matches LIVE!

Want to watch Fubo from anywhere in the world? Whether you're traveling abroad for work or vacation, you can watch all 104 games of the World Cup on Fubo - in USA, Spain, France, Brazil and England..

By using a VPN — Norton VPN (try it for 60 days) is our top recommendation here — you can securely connect to a U.S. server and access your Fubo subscription just as you would at home.

Fubo carries Fox, FS1 and other key sports channels broadcasting every FIFA World Cup game in the U.S., making it one of the best streaming services for soccer fans. Here's how to watch Fubo from anywhere and stream every moment live.

How to watch Fubo free in the U.S.

Watching Fubo in the U.S. is about as easy as hitting play and settling in to watch the likes of the World Cup on FS1 and Fox.

All three plans come with a 5-day free trial so you can watch some of the World Cup for nothing.

The Fubo Pro plan (200+ channels) also comes with $25 off for the World Cup. After the trial you'll pay $63.99 per month.

Traveling outside the USA? You can watch Fubo from outside the U.S. with a VPN. Not all VPNs work with Fubo and we had trouble getting Nord to work, but Norton VPN works just fine.

How to watch Fubo from anywhere

🏆 Tom's Guide No.1 Streaming VPN – Try 60 days 🏆

We recently crowned Norton VPN our No.1 Streaming VPN. Blazingly fast. Secure. Works on phones, laptops and smart TVs. So you can stream World Cup coverage from anywhere, on any device.

✅ 60-day money-back guarantee
🔓 Unlocks global streams
⚽ Quick! Up to 63% off Norton VPN plans

Catch every World Cup goal live with Norton VPN!View Deal

Do you need a VPN to watch Fubo from abroad?

Yes – it's confirmed that a good VPN that connects you to a U.S. server is required to bypass the geo-restriction so Fubo thinks you’re back at home in the U.S.

What streaming devices are supported by Fubo?

📱 Mobile & Web

Android phones & tablets (Android 8.0 or later)

iPhone & iPad (iOS 16 or later)

Web browsers — watch at fubo.tv on Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox on Windows, Mac and Linux

📺 Smart TVs

Samsung Smart TVs (2017 & newer)

LG Smart TVs (2018 & newer)

Vizio SmartCast TVs (2016 & newer)

Hisense VIDAA Smart TVs (2020 & newer)

🎮 Streaming Media Players & Set-tops

Roku players & Roku TVs

Apple TV (4th generation & newer, including Apple TV 4K)

Amazon Fire TV devices & Fire TV Edition TVs

Android TV devices

Google TV devices (including Chromecast with Google TV)

(The Fubo app must be available in the device's app store.)

🎮 Game Consoles

Xbox Series X|S

Xbox One

Note: Fubo does not currently offer apps for PlayStation consoles.

I scoured YouTube's free movies section and found 3 gripping thrillers worth watching

Brittany Vincent — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Dim the lights, grab a snack and cozy up on the couch because movie night no longer requires a pricey streaming subscription. If you haven't poked around the platform lately, YouTube has quietly become one of the best places to stream full-length movies for free, and you don’t need a Premium account to do it. Just hit play, sit through a few ads, and enjoy the show.

What's even better is that YouTube’s free thriller selection is much deeper than you'd expect. The library is packed with slow-burn psychological mind-benders, twisty domestic thrillers, and even the occasional forgotten gem from the late '90s or early 2000s. Plus, because the catalog rotates frequently, it’s always worth circling back every few weeks to see what's new.

Whether you’re in the mood for a puzzling crime saga, something that borders on horror, or a flick that drops a fresh twist every 30 minutes, there’s a gripping story waiting for you tonight. We dug through the digital archives to find the best free thrillers on YouTube worth queuing up first. Check out our top picks below.

'The Quiet'

Dot (Camilla Belle) is a deaf teenager who moves in with her wealthy godparents (Martin Donovan and Edie Falco) and their daughter Nina (Elisha Cuthbert) after her father's death. As Dot struggles to make herself at home, she slowly realizes that Nina is being systematically abused at home. But the question of what she can do about it pushes her, as well as the entire family, toward violence in very real and uncomfortable ways. But Dot has secrets of her own that Nina uncovers, and everything has to come to light sometime, even if it changes the family forever.

Watch on YouTube

'Truth or Dare'

After a Mexican spring break detour into an abandoned mission, a group of college kids (Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, Violett Beane, and Hayden Szeto) wakes up to deal with a supernatural version of the game Truth or Dare, with an easy set of rules. Tell the truth, do the dare, or die. The demon enforcing things communicates through the bizarre, unsettling grins of whichever bystander it happens to be puppeting at the time. Not exactly high cinema, but a perfectly serviceable late-night pizza-and-popcorn watch that's got the markings of a thriller you won't soon forget.

Watch on YouTube

'180'/'Imaginary Friend'

Emma (Lacey Chabert) is a popular but somewhat reclusive artist still living in the mansion where she grew up with her abusive father. Battling mental health struggles and trying to hold together a splintering marriage to her husband, Brad (Ethan Embry), she's rattled when the imaginary friend she leaned on as a child starts reappearing. Emma takes increasingly drastic steps to silence the visions, but at the same time, she suspects that Brad is hiding something upsetting that her childhood "friend" might be trying to warn her about.

Watch on YouTube

YouTube is now the home of every World Cup broadcast — here's how much it will cost

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:00:05 +0000

This week, YouTube announced updates that will help you stream the FIFA World Cup this summer via its Primetime Channels offerings. You'll also get access to reality shows from Bravo and Fox, as well as other sports.

Starting on June 1, FOX One is available on Primetime Channels, with Peacock coming soon. You'll be able to sign up for both streaming services directly on YouTube in the platform's storefront.

What it costs and what you'll get

(Image credit: Fox)

Fox One is available for $19.99 per month. This will get you access to all Fox content and live Fox channels.

Once the World Cup kicks off on June 11, you'll be able to watch all 104 matches via the Fox One subscription.

Outside of the beautiful game, you will have access to Fox News, Fox Sports, and local Fox channels. Plus series like "MasterChef" and "Memory of a Killer."

Additionally, you can watch local and national news channels, Fox Sports and series like MasterChef and Memory of a Killer.

If you're interested in Peacock, when that arrives, the Premium Plus version will get you $16.99 a month. You'll get access to NBC content, Universal movies, and NBC sports, including coverage of the MLB, Olympics, NBA and NFL.

For just the World Cup, that's $19.99 per month. Add in Peacock, and it'll cost you $36.98 a month.

YouTube says more Primetime Channels are in the works, but currently you can access things like HBO Max, Paramount Plus and NFL Sunday Ticket without having to bounce between different apps.

World Cup coverage

(Image credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)

Tom's Guide is here to help you watch the World Cup.

We're tracking the best TV deals to get you set up with the best big-screen TV. Or if you watch on your phone, here are the headphones you need to feel like you're at the games.

The World Cup produces an absurd amount of merch, and we've tracked down the best deals on World Cup apparel, jerseys and more.

Finally, if you plan on traveling to the World Cup, here's what you need to know about connecting your phone to international data plans.

And that's just to start. Keep Tom's Guide in your tabs as the games get going for even more information.

5 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube and more (May 26-June 1)

rory.mellon@futurenet.com (Rory Mellon) — Mon, 25 May 2026 16:04:58 +0000

This week's slate of top new movies on the best streaming services is all about thrillers. There's not one, not two, but three thrillers arriving across platforms, alongside a sci-fi horror taking a different approach to PVOD.

Thriller fans can pick from "Fuze" on premium streaming, "Shelter" on Starz and "Dead Man's Wire" on Netflix. Or, if you want something very different, HBO Max has Charli XCX's mockumentary, "The Moment." Plus, Markiplier's popular sci-fi horror "Iron Lung" makes its at-home premiere on YouTube.

I've combed through the latest streaming releases and picked out the most noteworthy new movies you can watch this week. And if you're not in the mood for a movie, check out our weekly guide to the top new TV shows.

Top new movies to stream this week (May 26-June 1)
Title	Genre	Streaming location	Release date
"Fuze'	Crime thriller	PVOD	May 26
"Dead Man's Wire"	Thriller	Netflix	May 26
"The Moment"	Mockumentary	HBO Max	May 29
"Shelter"	Action thriller	Starz	May 30
"Iron Lung"	Sci-fi horror	YouTube	May 31

‘Fuze’ (PVOD)

One of my favorite movies last year, “Relay,” came from director David Mackenzie, and barely six months later, the Scottish filmmaker is already back with another crime thriller in the form of “Fuze.” Unfortunately, this one doesn’t quite reach the same intense highs, but it’s still got its merits. It also centers on an audacious heist, which is always fertile ground for a thriller, and while I won’t reveal spoilers, I can confirm there’s a neat twist towards the end.

Set in London, a portion of the city is forced to evacuate when an unexploded World War II bomb is discovered on a construction site. Among the military squad called in to defuse the bomb is Major Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). However, in the chaos, a group of criminals led by a man named Karalis (Theo James) uses the evacuation as a distraction to pull off a bank heist. But as the authorities circle, alliances are questioned and morals tested.

Watch on Prime Video (buy/rent) from May 26

‘Dead Man’s Wire’ (Netflix)

Fans of the thriller genre are spoilt for choice this week. However, if you don’t want to cough up a rental fee to watch “Fuze,” why not consider “Dead Man’s Wire,” which is dropping on Netflix this Wednesday. This crime thriller is particularly interesting because it’s based on a true story. And with its “little guy vs. big business” themes, it feels more than a little relevant for our current climate, even despite the movie actually being set in the ‘70s.

Tony Kiritsis (Bill Skarsgård) is a desperate and dangerous man who feels wronged by his mortgage broker. After being given the runaround one too many times, he resorts to extreme measures. He takes the CEO’s son hostage and places a homemade “dead man’s switch” around his neck. This leads to an intense standoff. The police quickly surround Kiritsis’ apartment, but are unable to act because if Kiritsis is harmed or apprehended, the device will go off and deliver a lethal shotgun blast to his hostage.

Watch on Netflix from May 26

‘The Moment’ (HBO Max)

Pop documentaries and concert movies are back in vogue recently, post the juggernaut success of Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour. However, “The Moment” is a little different. It’s a mockumentary starring Charli XCX that serves as a warped epilogue to the “Brat Summer” phenomenon, which saw the popstar's global fame skyrocket. Rather than just filming a night of her tour, Charli XCX has created an experimental mockumentary.

Charli XCX, real name Charlotte Aitchison, plays a distorted version of herself. “The Moment” picks up at the tail end of the “Brat Summer,” with Charli’s fame at its apex. Forced to comply with label demands, mounting pressure and fan expectations, while starting rehearsals for the biggest tour to date, this fictional version of the popular artist considers whether staying on top of the cutthroat pop game is worth losing yourself in the process.

Watch on HBO Max from May 29

‘Shelter’ (Starz)

“Shelter” is yet another thriller (see what I mean about genre fans eating good this week?). This one hit theaters back in January and is now heading to Starz. It stars Jason Statham and falls comfortably with the British actor's usual routine. It’s not exactly the most memorable entry in his filmography and lacks the cheesy charms of say “The Beekeeper.” However, it delivers exactly what it promises: Statham kicking plenty of butt and acting tough.

Statham plays a former MI6 assassin who has left behind his old life to live a peaceful existence off the grid on a remote Scottish island. His solitude is disrupted when he takes in a young girl (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) after her uncle is killed at sea in a violent storm. When his former employers learn of his location, they mount a mission to eliminate him, and so Statham’s Michael Mason is forced to go on the run and slip back into his old habits.

Watch on Starz from May 30

‘Iron Lung’ (YouTube)

“Iron Lung” marks the directorial debut of Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach, and the popular YouTuber has opted to stick to his roots, initially rolling out his sci-fi horror exclusively on YouTube. However, it’s hitting the video sharing platform as a premium product, so you’ll have to pay a rental/purchase fee. Still, it’s a unique way of debuting a new release on streaming, and I expect Markiplier’s army of subscribers (his channel boasts 38.6 million of them) will flock to support this film, much like they did when it was in theaters.

Based on the indie video game of the same name, “Iron Lung” is set in a distant future where all stars, planets, and most of the human population have vanished. Only those on space stations survived. When a remaining moon, covered in an ocean of blood, is discovered, the remnants of humanity send convicts to the depths in a claustrophobic submarine. Simon (played by Fischbach) is the latest survivor forced to pilot a craft to discover exactly what horrors lurk within the vast ocean of human blood.

Watch on YouTube from May 31

Ask YouTube 'entirely reimagines' how you find videos — here's how it works

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Today (May 19), during Google I/O 2026, CEO Sundar Pichai announced new features that will change how you search for videos on YouTube.

Ask YouTube is a new way to search for videos in the app, which Pichai said "entirely reimagines the experience." The AI feature lets you ask more complex and conversational search queries in the search bar.

@tomsguide
♬ original sound - Tom’s Guide

Plus, Gemini Omni is getting deeper integration in the YouTube Shorts Remix and YouTube Create tools. Here's what's new.

Google's example was looking for tips on teaching your kids how to ride a bike or finding reviews of cozy games to play before bed.

Ask YouTube will compile videos that best match the search, which includes both long-form videos and Shorts. Similar to AI overviews in Google Search, you will see an "interactive, structured" response. In this new view, Ask YouTube will jump you directly to the part of the video that relates to your query.

The potential impact on YouTube Creators seems like it could be pretty large, as they constantly battle the algorithm. My colleague Marcus Cooper expressed skepticism about the new feature.

"On the surface, Ask YouTube sounds like it could be helpful to the user. Whether it will help people find more varied creators than the algorithm — we'll see," Cooper said. "Do we need everything to be AI? Probably not."

Initially, the feature is only be available to YouTube Premium subscribers aged 18 and up in the United States, starting today. A broader release will roll out later, but Google did not provide a timeline.

Gemini in Shorts and Create

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you make and upload videos to YouTube, the new Gemini Omni tool is coming to Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app.

Remix allows you to take an "eligible Short" and add your own AI prompts and images to create a new vision, like adding a 90s filter or inserting yourself within the context of the original video. Gemini Omni is supposed to better understand "user intent" for more consistent storytelling while handling complex video and audio adjustments.

Remixed Shorts created via Omni will have digital watermarks, identifying metadata and will automatically link back to the original video, Google said. Creators will have the option to opt-out of the remix.

Remixing with Omni is rolling out today for free in YouTube Shorts Remix and the Create app. It will also come to AI Playground in the near future.

YouTube is hiding a gold mine of free movies —here are 5 you shouldn't miss

Brittany Vincent — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:04:00 +0000

Kick off your shoes and grab the remote, because the days of needing a pricey subscription for movie night are officially over. While it’s easy to overlook, YouTube is sitting on a gold mine of free, full-length films that don't require a Premium account to enjoy. As long as you don’t mind a few ads here and there, you’ve got a front-row seat to a massive library that won't touch your budget.

Tom's Guide Pro Tip

How to find YouTube free movies
Go to the Free With Ads section of YouTube's Movies & TV hub. It's divided into categories like comedy, science fiction and thriller.

The catalog is deeper than you might expect. We’re talking recognizable studio hits, nostalgic favorites and hidden gems across every genre, plus a surprisingly solid documentary selection. Since the titles shuffle in and out frequently, it’s the kind of digital bargain bin that’s always worth a second look. To save you endless scrolling, we’ve sifted through the lineup and rounded up five standouts worth queuing up first.

Quick: Top Free Movies on YouTube (May 2026)
Title	Genre	Rotten Tomatoes rating
"Bridget Jones's Diary"	Romantic comedy	80%
"Children of Men"	Dystopian action thriller	92%
"Jeepers Creepers"	Horror	47%
"Legally Blonde"	Comedy	72%
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape"	Comedy-drama	90%

'What's Eating Gilbert Grape'

This 1994 coming-of-age drama finds Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio in some of their most gripping roles yet. Gilbert Grape (Depp) is a young man who spends his time caring for his disabled brother, Arnie (DiCaprio), while living with their mother in a small, cramped home. While she spends every day on the couch, unable to move due to her weight gain, Gilbert and Arnie find adventures around town to keep them busy. And though Arnie needs constant care, Gilbert is interested in growing up and meeting women.
Watch free on YouTube

'Bridget Jones's Diary'

Renée Zellweger is at her absolute best in this rom-com that's loosely based on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Zellweger is Bridget Jones, a single 30-something who keeps a diary that runs down all her wants and wishes in life, including fulfilling her mission of finding "Mr. Right," quitting smoking and losing weight. She ends up becoming the center of attention for two men (Hugh Grant and Colin Firth), both of whom want her. Jones must figure out which man it is who appreciates her the most and whether he's worth her time, all the while recording her romantic misadventures in her titular diary.
Watch free on YouTube

'Children of Men'

Based on P.D. James' novel of the same name, this dystopian thriller explores a world where humans can no longer have children. After enduring 20 years of this blight, humanity is about to go extinct, and turmoil and uncertainty have forced most countries to turn into authoritarian states. Just as former activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) has to say goodbye to his son, he meets a refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) who secretly reveals to him that she's pregnant. It makes her the last pregnant woman in the world, and from there, the race is on to keep her safe until she can give birth without falling into the clutches of the government or those who would wish to harm her.
Watch free on YouTube

'Legally Blonde'

When sorority girl Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) makes a bid at getting back at her ex-boyfriend, she doesn't just change her hair or date someone else. She goes to Harvard to get a law degree. She shakes off the jeers and mocking from her classmates for her pink-centric fashion sense and Valley Girl affect, all to prove to her disbelieving ex that she can excel at the law. Elle does that and more, showing that underestimated women are capable of doing anything they want to do.
Watch free on YouTube

'Jeepers Creepers'

Two siblings (Justin Long and Gina Philips) make their way home for spring break after being away at college. An old truck begins to aggressively tailgate them, but after it passes, the danger seems to have subsided. When they come across the same truck and its driver doing something that brings to mind an urban legend with similar characteristics, they begin to wonder if they're dealing with the same crazed killer who murdered a couple in the '70s. Crazed chases ensue, set to copious usage of the song "Jeepers Creepers," which sounds just as spine-tingling as you think it does.
Watch free on YouTube

So long, YouTube Premium! This feature is now completely free for millions of users

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:39:22 +0000

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you're watching a lengthy YouTube video, you know how frustrating it is to have to stop watching and do other things on your phone or tablet. But, in a remarkably generous move by Google, that isn't going to be an issue for much longer.

Google has announced it will be expanding YouTube's picture-in-picture mode to everyone. This used to be an exclusive feature for YouTube Premium subscribers, though Google expanded it to free users in the U.S. a few years back. Now the feature has started rolling out to free users worldwide, but only if you're watching the right kind of video.

(Image credit: Google)

According to Google, picture-in-picture will only be available on "longform, non-music content" for users on Android and iOS. Google hasn't specified exactly what qualifies as "longform content," and if there's a minimum time limit. However, we can safely assume that YouTube Shorts won't count.

Obviously, the music limitation has been added to stop people from trying to use picture-in-picture as a loophole for streaming tracks in the background. Background play in the main YouTube app is still exclusive to full Premium subscribers. Premium Lite subscribers, on the other hand, get picture-in-picture access to everything except music.

How to use picture-in-picture mode on YouTube

The bad news is that the picture-in-picture update will take a few months to fully roll out, so you may have to wait a little longer to take advantage of it. The good news is that the update should be activated as soon as the rollout reaches you, meaning you probably won't need to do anything.

To activate picture-in-picture mode, you simply need to open a video and head back to your phone's homescreen. A mini player should appear at the bottom of your screen, playing the same video. It's possible to move that player around to different parts of the screen, expand its size, and access playback controls by tapping the mini-player.

It's quite a useful tool if you watch a lot of YouTube on your phone, but still want to have access to all your other apps in the process. The fact that you no longer have to pay for it makes it even better, especially when you remember just how much YouTube Premium costs. It's $16 a month for Premium and $9 a month for Premium Lite, and seeing as how everything else costs so much anyway, getting Premium-tier features without having to pay for them is a win.

I dug around YouTube's free movies and found a heartbreaking hidden movie that wrecked me

Brittany Vincent — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:30:00 +0000

I’ve always been drawn to intense mother-daughter stories. My mother and I aren’t exactly close; we are too different, with clashing mindsets that often lead us to challenge each other’s views. Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward dramas that weren’t afraid to get "messy" with that dynamic in mind — especially if the mother and daughter managed to reconcile by the end.

Over the years, I’ve watched dozens of these stories across movies and TV, but few have stuck with me the way "White Oleander" has. Currently available to stream for free on YouTube, the film is a haunting exploration of maternal bonds. While it might seem on the surface like just another early 2000s drama about a troubled teen, Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance as Ingrid — a mother as destructive as they come — elevates it to the level of must-watch infamy.

Alison Lohman plays her daughter, Astrid, and watching her drift from home to home hurts just as much as the emotional abuse she suffers from her mother. As a result, the film asks the harder questions about identity, toxic relationships, and what it means when your own parents don’t have your back. It is beautiful, it is brutal, and it is a hidden gem you can stream right now — for free!

What is 'White Oleander' about?

Ingrid Magnussen (Michelle Pfeiffer) is a poet living in Los Angeles with her teenage daughter, Astrid (Alison Lohman). When Ingrid is sentenced to life in prison for poisoning a former lover with the oil of white oleander flowers, Astrid is forced into the foster care system.

All the different placements following Ingrid's prison sentence affect Astrid in numerous ways. Her first foster mother, Starr (Robin Wright), is a former stripper turned born-again Christian whose jealousy turns dangerous. Next comes Claire (Renée Zellweger), an actress who just can't keep herself together. Each home leaves Astrid a bit more broken and determined to get to know her real mother even better.

But Ingrid never truly lets go. From behind bars, she manipulates Astrid's emotions and makes it clear that no foster mother will ever be enough. Astrid is caught between wanting her mother's love and recognizing that it's actually what's destroying her. She has to decide whether to keep dealing with Ingrid's toxic love or break free in the end.

Why 'White Oleander' is worth streaming on YouTube

(Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Most of us have been tangled up with someone who loves us in a way that isn't quite healthy. That's what makes "White Oleander" so affecting, both to me and anyone who may gravitate toward it. Except it's much more difficult here knowing it examines the complicated truth of a parent instead of a partner. That adds some extra emotional layers that make the entire situation even more frustrating and heartbreaking.

And the film doesn't concern itself only with foster care drama. So you're not just watching Astrid survive, but asking yourself if you'd be strong enough to walk away from a mom like Ingrid as well. It's something many of us could say in an instant that we'd be fine with, especially watching the manipulation and the gaslighting involved with Ingrid and her daughter. But when things come down to brass tacks, could you ever truly forget a parent?

It's a brutal question to face, and if you're in the mood for some high drama, you won't want to miss "White Oleander." This hidden gem is available right now to stream for free on YouTube.

YouTube now lets you hide Shorts completely — here's how to turn them off

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:02:36 +0000

YouTube Shorts clutter your feed and encourage endless scrolling. The platform finally added a way to eliminate them completely from the mobile app by setting your Shorts feed limit to zero minutes.

YouTube introduced Shorts time limits last year but the minimum was 15 minutes, which still meant seeing Shorts daily. The new zero-minute option removes them entirely from your feed, though individual Shorts may still appear occasionally in search results or recommendations.

Here's how to hide Shorts on YouTube mobile.

How to hide YouTube Shorts

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Open the YouTube app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the cog in the top right corner to go to your settings.

Navigate to "Time management" and tap it. Under "Daily limits," you'll see "Shorts feed limit." Toggle on this option.

Once toggled on, you'll see a variety of available time limits. Select "0 minutes."

You'll see a notice that says "Scrolling is paused but you may still see individual Shorts." This means Shorts won't appear in your main feed, but may occasionally show up in search results or recommendations.

You might need to close and reopen the YouTube app for Shorts to disappear from your feed completely. After refreshing, your home feed should no longer include the Shorts section.

If you change your mind, return to the same settings menu and choose a different time limit. Options range from 15 minutes up to 2 hours maximum.

What if the option isn’t showing for you?

If you can’t see the 0 minute option just yet, this likely means the feature hasn’t reached your account. YouTube is rolling it out gradually, so it can show up at different times for different users.

It may also be worth checking that your app is fully up to date, as older versions can still show 15 minutes as the lowest option.

YouTube Premium just got a massive 50% discount for a limited time only — but there's a catch

Martin Shore — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:18:59 +0000

Not long after rolling out a YouTube Premium price hike, Google is now offering users the chance to get 12 months' worth of YouTube Premium for half the price. The catch? This massive YouTube Premium deal is only available to certain Google One subscribers in certain regions.

This new YouTube Premium deal is available to subscribers paying for 2 TB of storage ($9.99/ month) or more, meaning anyone spending $10 or more on Google One can now get a full year of YouTube Premium for less.

Hate it when an advert interrupts your YouTube videos? With YouTube Premium, you can get an uninterrupted YouTube experience that offers ad-free videos, background play, offline downloads, and a YouTube Music Premium membership. This new limited-time-only discount offers users on an eligible Google One plan the chance to beat the recent price hike and get all the benefits of a YouTube Premium membership for 50% off for an entire year.View Deal

In addition to needing an eligible Google One subscription, the offer's only available to users in the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, or Japan.

If you meet all the criteria already (or you're tempted to sign up just to save on YouTube Premium), you'll need to act fast. In a community post, Google confirmed that this new offer will only be available between now and April 29, 2026. (h/t 9to5Google).

How to get Google's new YouTube Premium deal

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you'd like YouTube Premium for less, head to your Google One account area (or sign up for one of the eligible Google One membership tiers, if you don't already have an account) and navigate to the Benefits section.

Then, find the YouTube Premium option and add a plan. Once you've subscribed, you'll see the account listed at a discounted rate.

Just as a reminder, this discount is not open to Google One subscribers on the Basic (100 GB for $1.99/month), Standard (200 GB for $2.99/month), or Google AI Plus ($7.99/month) plans.

You can also take advantage of the offer if you've signed up to the Google AI Pro plan ($19.99/month), which is essentially a high-end bundle that includes both the storage features of Google One plus Google’s most advanced AI tools.

We’ve got a special surprise for our Gemini power users. 🎁Now when you upgrade to the Google AI Pro plan you can get 50% off @YouTube Premium for a full year. That’s ad-free videos, background play, and offline downloads for the ultimate Google experience bundled with higher… pic.twitter.com/t8NKOIyLNfApril 15, 2026

It's also worth noting that existing YouTube Premium subscribers will need to cancel their existing YouTube Premium membership before trying to take advantage of the offer.

For more details about the promotion, including how to manage your account, head to the Google One Help area.

Forget big budget sci-fi: This gritty $4M movie starring Pedro Pascal is an underrated masterpiece

Sergio Pereira — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:04:00 +0000

From "The Mandalorian" to "The Last of Us" and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," Pedro Pascal seemingly cannot escape his destiny as Hollywood's favorite father figure. The 2018 sci-fi sleeper hit "Prospect" is no exception, featuring the actor taking yet another young'un under his wing to forge a surprisingly heartwarming connection amidst a cold, indifferent universe. The best part? This gritty space western is currently streaming for free on YouTube.

As the feature-length evolution of Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell's Kickstarter-funded short, "Prospect" was produced on a $4 million budget, or a mere fraction of a single "The Last of Us" episode. However, what it might lack in blockbuster CGI, it more than compensates for with rich character drama and ruminative themes. A pre-fame Sophie Thatcher ("Yellowjackets") stars alongside the ever-sensational Pascal, as the duo embarks on an "us-versus-the-world" mission that would make Joel and Ellie — or even Din Djarin and Grogu — green with envy.

If you prefer your science fiction smart, stripped-down, and atmospheric, there’s no need to dig any deeper than this hidden gem. "Prospect" is a masterclass in world-building that won’t cost you a single cent to enjoy.

What is 'Prospect' about?

Set in a distant future where humanity explores the cosmos with blue-collar grit, "Prospect" follows teenager Cee (Thatcher) and her father, Damon (Jay Duplass). As prospectors searching for valuable gems to secure their survival, they land on a lush but toxic alien moon. The descent is rough, damaging their spacecraft and leaving them stranded, but the setback feels fortuitous when they stumble upon a dig site containing a precious gem that could change their lives forever. While Cee urges her father to take the win and go, Damon’s ambition gets the better of him.

This greed leads to a tense standoff with Ezra (Pascal) and his silent companion, Number Two (Luke Pitzrick). Though Ezra initially attempts a robbery, the parties broker a shaky truce when Damon reveals he’s been hired to excavate the fabled "Queen’s Lair" — a site rumored to be bursting with riches beyond their wildest dreams. Damon proposes a partnership to share the spoils, but a desperate double-cross ensues, resulting in the deaths of both Number Two and Damon in the chaotic fallout.

Cee retreats to the damaged ship, but with no way to launch, she is eventually found by Ezra. After a period of volatile hesitation and mutual distrust, they strike a new pact: they will navigate the moon's perils together to find the mercenaries at Queen’s Lair and hitch a ride off-world. It sounds like a simple extraction, but in the world of "Prospect," nothing is easy. The moon’s harsh environment is a constant threat, yet it pales in comparison to humanity’s worst instincts. Throughout their journey, Cee and Ezra must constantly look over their shoulders, wondering if they can truly trust the person holding the other end of the rope.

Why you should watch 'Prospect' on YouTube for free

(Image credit: Gunpowder & Sky / Everett Collection Inc / Alamy )

As with the best entries in the genre, "Prospect" holds up a piercing mirror to society. This isn't a story of grand galactic discovery or alien spectacle; it’s an exploration of how history tends to repeat itself. Despite advanced technology and the expansion of the human footprint across the stars, resources remain scarce because of systemic greed and the inevitable creation of hierarchies. We watch as morality takes a backseat to the scramble for survival, suggesting that humans rarely learn from their past mistakes.

Yet, within this bleak landscape, there remains a glimmer of hope that humanity hasn't entirely disappeared down a black hole of apathy. Much like the dynamic between Ellie and Joel in "The Last of Us"—minus the fungal zombies—Cee and Ezra begin their journey as enemies with genuine reasons for hostility. Forced together by necessity, they slowly begin to bond as they glimpse each other’s scars and hardships. Their loyalties are tested repeatedly, and the temptation to take the selfish path is always present, but the film serves as a poignant reminder that human connection is more valuable than any "precious cargo."

Minimalistic in style but heavy in substance, Pedro Pascal and Sophie Thatcher harvest "all the feels" in "Prospect." It is a film about second chances and finding agency in the raw deals life throws your way. By the credits, you’re left with the faint hope that there might be a future for humanity after all. At the very least, it provides definitive proof that Pascal was born to play the reluctant guardian.

Stream "Prospect" on YouTube for free

Google just announced a price hike for YouTube Premium: Here's what you'll pay now

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:00:28 +0000

For the first time in two years, YouTube Premium is getting a price hike ranging from $1 to $4 depending on the subscription plan. The increase is already in place for new accounts, with the bump rolling out to existing customers in the U.S.

Here's what you'll pay now:

Individual: $15.99/month, up from $13.99
Family: $26.99/month, up from $22.99
Lite: $8.99/month, up from $7.99
Music Premium: $11.99/month, up from $10.99

Up to now, YouTube Premium hasn't followed in the footsteps of every other streaming platforms that increased prices, occasionally multiple times. The last bump for the individual plan came in 2023, while the family plan leapt from $22.99 from $17.99 in 2022. European customers saw an increase in 2024.

According to 9to5Google, current YouTube Premium customers will start being notified of the price increases via email.

An email seen by 9to5Google reads: "To continue delivering great service and features, we’re increasing your price to $15.99/month. We don’t make these decisions lightly, but this update will allow us to continue to improve Premium and support the creators and artists you watch on YouTube.

"You will see the change reflected on your June 7, 2026 billing date."

An unfortunate trend

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Unfortunately, the Premium price increase is another in a long line affecting everything from other streaming services to actual hardware.

Samsung and Motorola just raised prices on old phones, indicating that new phones launching later this year will also be more expensive. Netflix rolled out another price hike in March, the second in less than a year.

March was particularly bad for price hikes. Every Sony PS5 console got at least a $100 increase while Amazon made the ad-free version of Prime Video more expensive.

How to cancel or pause your subscription

(Image credit: YouTube)

The new prices aren't exactly cheap. If you're looking to cancel your subscription you can go to the YouTube memberships page. You can also pause your subscription for up to six months.

Currently, you can save a bit of money (up to 15%) if you opt for a manual payment.

As a reminder, Premium removes ads, lets you play videos in the background and download videos for offline play.

I found this chilling post-apocalyptic movie streaming free on YouTube —and I can't stop thinking about it

Brittany Vincent — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:30:00 +0000

Nuclear war is terrifying. That's a universal truth. Generally, movies that explore it, either directly or indirectly, are as well. "On the Beach" tells you what it is right from the start: it's a story about the final stretch of humanity's life after nuclear war has already destroyed much of the world. There's no illusion that things will suddenly turn around. But there is bleak acceptance instead of hope, and that makes this hidden gem movie more than worth checking out. And luckily for you, it's streaming free on YouTube.

The version available to watch is the 2000 adaptation of the novel that originally aired as a three-part miniseries, and it takes a premise that's already brutal and plays it straight. This is not a disaster movie built around explosions, panic or people outrunning collapse. It's about what's next after the worst has already happened, when the people left behind have to keep living under a deadline they can't change.

If you want a movie that's serious, direct and worth your time, "On the Beach" is an easy pick. It's a hard movie to be sure, but it knows exactly what it's doing and it's more relevant now than ever. And you don't have to pay a cent to stream it.

What's 'On the Beach' about?

"On the Beach" is set after a nuclear war has already wiped out much of the world, with Australia left as one of the last places still untouched. The survivors move to Melbourne in an effort to escape the fallout, but the approaching cloud is headed straight for them. That means the people living there and those who have found refuge aren't escaping the end so much as waiting for it.

An American submarine crew led by Dwight Towers (Armand Assante) arrives in Melbourne, where military officials, scientists, and families are all trying to figure out how to live with the reality that their time may be running out. Social anarchy breaks out, and everyone has to learn to accept that there's no way to escape the impending doom, even though the nuclear war has ended. There's still no winning for the last of humanity.

From there, the movie follows several people as they deal with that countdown in different ways. Some hold onto routine; others e search for answers. Some try to build or protect relationships while there's still time. Though the film explores nuclear war at its worst, there's no bomb that goes off in it. Instead, you see the consequences at their most dire in a situation where the world is well and truly ending.

Why you should stream 'On the Beach'

(Image credit: Showtime)

"On the Beach" hits so much harder than a lot of bigger post-apocalyptic movies because it's not trying to scare you, but get you to accept what has already happened.

It's focused on the people, not the spectacle. It explores fear, denial, routine, and the different ways people respond when they know the end is coming. It's very blunt about the situation, and it doesn't waste time softening it, especially when it's revealed that most of society has already been given an "easy" way out instead of having to wait around to expire from radiation sickness.

We're on the brink of disaster in the real world just about every day as of late. It's not hard to think about destruction on the scale you see in this YouTube gem. But what is difficult is wondering how our end will finally come. And in "On the Beach," we see all possible options exhausted, everything already played out. Only the slow march to inevitable death. And if that doesn't scare you, perhaps nothing will.

Watch "On the Beach" free on YouTube

Meta and YouTube aren't the only ones who should be worried after landmark social media addiction ruling

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:54:23 +0000

A jury in Los Angeles has found Meta and YouTube negligent in a massive social media addiction trial. The jury determined the companies failed to warn users of the dangers of their social platforms.

It's the first domino to fall in a series of trials that have been described as the "Big Tobacco" moment for social media.

Today's trial began in late January in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Meta and YouTube were sued by a young woman, identified as K.G.M or Kaley, who alleged that she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube as a child. Jury deliberations started more than a week ago on March 13.

The jurors ruled in favor of Kaley with compensatory damages assessed at $3 million. Meta must pay 70% of that, with YouTube on the hook for the remaining 30%. The trial is moving into punitive damages soon, which could get substantially higher.

"Today's verdict is a historic moment — for Kaley and for the thousands of children and families who have been waiting for this day," attorneys representing the plaintiff said in a statement after the verdict. "She showed extraordinary courage bringing this case and telling her story in open court. A jury of Kaley's peers heard the evidence, heard what Meta and YouTube knew and when they knew it, and held them accountable for their conduct."

Meta has promised to appeal the verdict. "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options," a spokesperson said after the Los Angeles trial.

'Deliberately keeping kids hooked'

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Common Sense Media founder and CEO James P. Steyer praised the verdict calling it a "powerful recognition."

"Social media companies deliberately design their platforms to keep kids hooked, consequences to their mental and physical health be damned. The momentum for change is no longer building. It's here," said Steyer in a statement to Tom's Guide.

The plaintiff alleged that she suffered from severe body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts brought on by near-constant use of the apps and the deluge of notifications from them.

Throughout the LA trial, both companies denied the plaintiff's claims. Kaley alleged that she suffered from severe body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts brought on by near-constant use of the apps and the deluge of notifications from them. Attorneys for the giant tech firms implied that a turbulent childhood and family life were responsible for her mental health issues, while she used the apps as a coping mechanism.

Today’s verdict marks a significant blow to social networks who are already under the microscope from parents, lawmakers, and educators," said Emarketer analyst Minda Smiley:

"For years, social media companies have claimed they’re hard at work making their platforms safer for kids and teenagers. Critics have long been skeptical that they’re acting in good faith—or that their efforts are having a material impact. This verdict could mark the start of a difficult new chapter for social platforms, one where the rules they write for themselves no longer cut it."

Meta and YouTube claimed that they take safety and health concerns seriously. That's a hard pill to swallow after Meta was accused of suppressing child safety research last year.

"Social media giants would never have faced trial if they had prioritized kids' safety over engagement," Steyer noted. "Instead, they buried their own research showing children were being harmed, and used kids and society as guinea pigs in massive, uncontrolled, and wildly profitable experiments."

The trial saw testimony from seveal high-level executives including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri, and YouTube's VP of engineering Cristos Goodrow. Mosseri claimed that the the apps were not "clinically addictive" during his testimony.

Meta faces more trials

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Meta faces a series of trials across the country about the safety of its platforms. This week, jurors in Santa Fe, New Mexico determined that Meta willfully violated the state's unfair practices. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez alleged that the company failed to safeguard its apps from online predators who targeted children.

Reuters reported that the company will have pay $375 million for violating New Mexico laws. “The jury’s verdict is a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety,” Torrez said in a statement.

The state is urging Meta to implement changes to its apps including "enacting effective age verification, removing predators from the platform, and protecting minors from encrypted communications that shield bad actors."

The New Mexico case revealed internal employee messages where employees discussed some 7.5 million child sexual abuse material reports that would disappear after Zuckerberg's 2019 decision to make Facebook Messenger have end-to-end decryption by default.

“There goes our CSER [Community Standards Enforcement Report] numbers next year,” an employee wrote in December 2023 according to a filing.

“I care about the wellbeing of teens and kids who are using our services,” Zuckerberg said in Los Angeles, according to CNBC.

Apple and Snap are also on the hook

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Meta and YouTube aren't the only high-profile companies facing major trials over child safety.

As CNBC reports, Apple is on trial in West Virginia over allegations by the state attorney general, John McCuskey, that the company failed to prevent CSAM from being stored on iOS devices and iCloud.

Apple said in a statement that “protecting the safety and privacy of our users, especially children, is central to what we do.”

Additionally, Snapchat and TikTok were originally part of the LA trial before settling with the plaintiff. A separate federal trial is supposed to kick off in Northern California this year involving all four companies over claims from school districts and parents that the apps foster detrimental mental health harms on children and teens.

Like the series of trials Big Tobacco faced in the 1990s that saw billions in payments, this could be a pivotal year for social media platforms and the companies behind them.

It could lead to similar legal changes that fundamentally alters how these companies operate.

"This verdict, along with other recent court rulings, should embolden lawmakers in California and across the country to use their authority to force real change in how these companies design and operate their products," Steyer said.

3 best free movies on YouTube right now

Brittany Vincent — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Settle in and claim your spot on the couch — movie night doesn't require a subscription anymore. If you haven't poked around lately, YouTube is quietly one of the best places to stream full movies for free, and you don't need YouTube Premium to do it. Just hit play, survive a few ads and you're in.

It's also a lot more expansive than people assume. The free selection spans popular studio titles, throwback favorites, niche genre picks and documentaries — and the lineup rotates regularly, so there's always a reason to check back.

Whether you're after a comfort rewatch, a late-night thriller, or something to half-watch while folding laundry, there's plenty to choose from. We dug through the catalog and pulled out the standout picks worth starting with. Have fun!

'Mallrats'

This cult Kevin Smith comedy follows best friends T.S. Quint (Jeremy London) and Brodie Bruce (Jason Lee), whose lives unravel in the span of a single day — so naturally, they do what any reasonable person would: head to the mall. Food courts, comic shops, and a rotating cast of miscreants await as they hatch increasingly desperate plans to win back their girlfriends. Along the way, they hang with slackers Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith), terrorize a dating show host, and somehow end up meeting Stan Lee. It's peak '90s Smith — lo-fi, loud, and deeply funny. If you haven't seen it, it's completely free on YouTube, so you're out of excuses.

Watch on YouTube

'Coneheads'

This big-screen expansion of the beloved SNL sketch follows cone-headed aliens Beldar and Prymaat (Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin) after they crash-land on Earth and face an uncomfortable truth: They're stuck here. So they do the only reasonable thing — blend in. They settle in New Jersey, raise their daughter Connie (Michelle Burke), and maintain a surprisingly functional suburban life, despite being, you know, aliens with cone heads. The catch is that the government hasn't stopped looking for them, and their cover can only hold so long. What starts as a survival strategy slowly becomes something more complicated — a life they didn't plan on, and might not want to leave.

Watch on YouTube

'True Grit'

When her father is murdered, teenage farm girl Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) doesn't wait around for someone else to handle it. She hires Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a U.S. marshal of questionable sobriety but undeniable results, to track down the killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) joins the ride with his own score to settle, and the unlikely trio heads into rough country to find Chaney and collect what's owed. It's a Western coming-of-age story, which sounds like an odd combination until you watch Steinfeld command every scene she's in.

Watch on YouTube

Cheaper YouTube TV plans are finally available for more people: here's how to change your subscription

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:40:50 +0000

Earlier this month, YouTube announced new, cheaper YouTube TV subscription packages. However, the packages are being slowly rolled out to customers.

The company has been broadening access to the new packages, and more people should be able to access the plans.

As a reminder, the new plans let you subscribe to genre packages instead of committing to the all-in plan that costs $82.99 per month. The all-in tier includes access to over 100 live channels across different categories.

The new plans bundle channels together and cut the price down to as low as $54. To start, YouTube TV is offering plans for sports, news, entertainment and family content with plans to offer more genres in the future.

One of the best new plans is the Sports plan, which costs $64.99 per month, $54.99 for new customers. It includes major broadcast networks like ESPN, Fox Sports 1, NBC Sports and more. You also don't lose features if you go to a cheaper tier. So you'll still have access to unlimited cloud DVR storage, multiview capabilities, and access to add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone.

How to change your plan

(Image credit: YouTube TV)

Finding the new plans is pretty straightforward, but seeing every available plan can be a bit annoying.

To start, tap your profile icon, usually in the upper right of your screen on both mobile and desktop. Then click Settings. It should open directly into the Membership tab. If not, click the tab, then click the Manage button under YouTube TV.

Under Manage, you'll see an Options panel with a recommended subscription. Do not tap Select Plan unless you specifically want the one recommended here. That link will take you to a pay page.

Annoyingly, clicking Explore Plans only shows you three plans, generally the three most expensive bundles. You'll need to scroll down to the Find a plan button.

It will pull up a multi-choice screen asking what you want to watch: sports, entertainment, news, or family. Select the ones that interest you.

(Image credit: YouTube TV)

I only want the sports package, but selecting live sports recommended the Sports, Sports + News, and Sports + Entertainment packages. Tap Select Plan in the box for the bundle that appeals to you.

From there, you can confirm your plan change. You may have to pay a balance ora full payment depending on your billing schedule.

Unfortunately, if you're still not seeing the new plans, there isn't a way to speed up the rollout. You'll just have to wait. Reportedly, it's based on account history and location and is a way for Google to manage the transition. But access should be available soon.

YouTube went down — everything you need to know about the major outage

anthony.spadafora@futurenet.com (Anthony Spadafora) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:42:02 +0000

YouTube was unavailable for users for multiple hours on February 17th, 2026, after an outage hit Google’s video streaming service, affecting both the website and the app.

The U.S. West Coast reported the most issues with YouTube during the outage, which impacted more than 30,000 YouTube users at its peak. Initial reports of problems with YouTube started to spike around 5:30 PM PST. There are still reports of issues, and we're reporting live on the latest updates.

YouTube February 17, 2026 outage

Greater than 30,000 U.S.-based Youtube users experienced issues with the platform, with complaints peaking around 5:45 PM PST
The U.S. West Coast was most impacted, according to Down Detector
The YouTube Help page issued a statement stating the outage issue had been fixed around 7:30 pm PST
By 7:45 PM PST, U.S. users reporting issues with YouTube to Down Detector dropped below 5,000
At 8:04 PM PST, U.S. Google confirmed that the issue was to do with the "recommendations system" and it had been resolved.

Met with a blank screen

(Image credit: Google)

If you head over to YouTube on your computer right now, the site will load but you won't see any videos. Instead, after doing so, I was met with a blank screen without any videos whatsoever.

Back up on DownDetector

(Image credit: Downdetector)

Although YouTube wasn't showing up on Downdetector at first, it now is, with just over 30,000 users reporting problems on the site. Meanwhile, more than 8,000 YouTube TV users have reported experiencing issues with the service, while Google itself has close to 2,500 issues reported so far.

We'll be tracking all three sites closely, but it seems that for now, YouTube is where the majority of problems are occurring.

Things are improving...

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Since we last checked in, the number of reported cases of issues with YouTube in the U.S. dropped from just over 30K to closer to 22K.

No official response yet

(Image credit: YouTube)

Normally, during a major outage like this one, companies head to X (Twitter) to provide updates. However, if you go to YouTube's official account, the last post was made 4 hours ago and is about cooking creators, not the outage. Hopefully, we learn more from YouTube and Google soon.

West Coast hit the hardest

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Based on Downdetector's map of reported problems, it appears that YouTube users in San Francisco have been hit the hardest, with Los Angeles not that far behind. Then, on the East Coast, New York is showing the most reported problems, though other cities across the U.S. are also experiencing issues when trying to watch videos on YouTube

All's good in Seattle, Washington and Santa Cruz, California

(Image credit: YouTube)

Dan Bracaglia here, checking in from Seattle, Washington, with no issues to report with YouTube. I've also received reports from friends in Santa Cruz, California, and Reading, Pennsylvania that the platform is working without issue as of 6:15 pm PST. Hopefully, this means the outage will be short-lived!

YouTube acknowledges the outage

(Image credit: YouTube)

As the number of reported issues with YouTube continues to decline, the official YouTube account has acknowledged that you are not, in fact, imagining problems with the platform.

YouTube homepage still won't load

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Our colleagues in Australia have confirmed that they, too, are having issues with YouTube, primarily loading the home screen. A quick test trying to load YouTube.com from Seattle, Washington, results in similar issues. However, if I punch in a video's direct URL, things seem to be loading with no issue.

Reported YouTube issues drop from 30k+ to 16K

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Things are looking up, my fellow YouTube lovers. Those reporting issues with the video platform on Down Detector have dropped to around 16,000 from 30,000+ just an hour ago.

While the homepage may still be slow to load, as it is for me on the U.S. West Coast, YouTube seems to be recovering nicely/quickly.

Further clarification from Google

(Image credit: Google)

As the number of reported issues continues to drop just below 10,000 on Down Detector, I wanted to share this message posted to the official YouTube Google support account. TLDR: The homepage seems to be back up, but folks are still reporting issues logging in to YouTube and YouTube TV.

Good news, everyone!

(Image credit: Down Detector)

Good news, everyone (in Professor Farnsworth’s voice)! Your favorite rags-to-riches video platform, YouTube, is almost back to normal, according to Down Detector, which is showing roughly 7,000 reported issues in the U.S., a massive decrease from 30,000+ earlier this evening.

Are you still having issues loading YouTube as of 7:15 pm PST or beyond? Let me know in the comments below.

Is the YouTube outage over or are people just going to bed?

(Image credit: YouTube)

According to Down Detector, as of 7:30 pm PST, the number of folks reporting issues with YouTube in the U.S. has dropped below 7,000, which is a good sign. The question is, are we seeing a decline in reported issues because folks are simply giving up and going to bed? 7:30 pm may be dinner time on the U.S. West Coast, but for my friends and family on the East Coast, where it's 10:30 pm, it's likely bedtime.

YouTube gives the all-clear

(Image credit: YouTube)

As the reported number of issues from U.S. YouTube users drops below 5K, it seems safe to call this outage largely resolved. The YouTube support blog similarly gives the all-clear (screenshot above).

That said, I will continue to keep an eye on Down Detector from the U.S. West Coast and drop an update if things take a sudden turn for the worse. Here's hoping that's not the case!

YouTube outage = resolved

(Image credit: Down Detector)

With Down Detector now showing fewer than 5,000 U.S. users reporting issues with YouTube, it's safe to call this outage resolved.

How did the great February 17, 2026, YouTube outage impact you? Let me know in the comments below.

What happened last night?

(Image credit: YouTube)

YouTube has shed some light on what happened last night — specifically an "issue with our recommendations system" stopped videos from appearing across "surfaces on YouTube." This included the homepage, app, YouTube Music and YouTube Kids.

No specifics have been shared on what specifically brought it down, but this is now indeed resolved.

A small uptick in outage reports?

(Image credit: Down detector)

This could be nothing — maybe a bit of a hangover of outage reports. And in the grand scheme of the huge outage earlier on, it's tiny.

But at 756 reports, reports have increased a little bit... We're keeping an eye on the situation.

OK, there may be something going on here

(Image credit: Status Gator)

So I'm investigating this further, and there have been a few reports globally (these times are in GMT) of connectivity issues and the app not loading. We're trying to replicate these issues, but nothing yet.

If you're still seeing some issues, you may be caught in the 'aftershocks' of the outage

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

So here's what I've found from taking a look around and investigating the issues. YouTube is officially up and running, but there are some scattered reports of residual glitches in the app on TVs and the browser.

These can be caused by your system "remembering" YouTube in its broken phase, which is easy to fix.

If you're on a computer: Hard refresh the browser by hitting either Control + F5 on Windows or Command + Shift + R on a Mac.
If you're on the app: Close the app fully by swiping it away from your recent apps and reopen it.

If you're still seeing any problems, pop them in the comments and I can investigate further!

Reports continue to rise

(Image credit: Downdetector)

As of 7 a.m. / 12 p.m. GMT, Downdetector shows over 1,000 reports, showing that users are still experiencing issues. Of course, compared to the over 300,000 reports earlier, many appear to be able to load the app without any connectivity issues, but YouTube still appears to be having some problems for many. We'll keep you posted!

Still seeing issues? Try refreshing cache

(Image credit: Christian Wiediger)

While reports are still high, if you're still not able to get YouTube working, then it's worth clearing your cache just in case it's getting in the way, since YouTube is back up and running.

If you're on Chrome, do the following:

On Windows or Mac: Click the ellipses (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner of your browser. Select "Delete browsing data" to open a new window. Tick "Cached images and files" (and anything else you prefer to give it a complete refresh, like browsing history, cookies, etc.) and click "Delete data."
On iOS or Android: Click the ellipses (three horizontal dots) along the bottom bar. Tap "History," then "Delete browsing data" at the bottom. Select "Cached images and files" (and anything else), then "Delete data."

If this works, fantastic! Otherwise, we'll keep checking to see if other major issues arise from YouTube.

Users still experiencing problems

(Image credit: StatusGator)

Over on StatusGator, we're still seeing very recent outage reports from across the globe, with users in the U.S., New Zealand, France, Malaysia and more reporting "Sign in problem," "App not loading" and "Error message."

Currently, it's working all fine on my end (Darragh here), but there are still outage reports coming in. Hopefully, YouTube is working out problems from the "aftershock" of the widespread outage.

As its final update, YouTube has stated, "The issue with our recommendations system has been resolved and all of our platforms (YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids, and TV) are back to normal!"

The outage reports continue

(Image credit: Downdetector)

As the U.S. wakes up, many may be experiencing the aftereffects of the outage. This could be why we're still seeing a small rise in outage reports of over 1,100 on Downdetector, which has been above 1,000 over the past hour.

Head over to Downdetector.co.uk, and you'll see that there are currently only 225 reports. Since it's officially been stated that YouTube is now fixed (that includes YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids and TV), we'll hopefully see fewer people experiencing any problems trying to watch videos. Stay tuned!

'No known issues' for now

(Image credit: StatusGator )

While I'm still seeing reports of "Error message" and "App not loading" on StatusGator, there's currently "No know issues" according to the site, even though there is a small uptick in issues reported.

For now, many of the latest status reports are from the U.S., so we may see problems for some with the site and app be less wide spread around the globe.

Just about 1,000

(Image credit: Downdetector)

After a long outage, we're finally seeing the Downdetector reports dropping to around 1,000. As of this post, it's at 1,024 reports, likely just stragglers from users experiencing unrelated issues.

With YouTube having said everything is back in order and reports being a far cry from what they once were (around 330,000), it seems we're coming to the end of this massive YouTube outage (I should, I have YouTube on in the background right now, and it's working flawlessly).

What are you watching?

Now that YouTube is mostly back, what are you watching on it? For me, I'm watching this golf video with Garrett Clark (gm_golf) of Good Good.

If you can't think of something to watch, maybe the Tom's Guide video embedded above will tickle your fancy (who doesn't like a nice battery showdown?).

Oh, and we're officially below 1,000 reports now (986 as of this post)!

Where's it up to now?

(Image credit: Downdetector)

One hour later, we're still above 900 reports. Not nearly as bad as the spike we saw, but not great. Hopefully things continue to drop off now...

Down to 800 reports...

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Although the spike is going down and we're moving in the right direction, users are still experiencing problems as of 10 minutes ago. Currently it's working okay for me (Kaycee, hello!), but for some they're still getting that dreaded "Error try again" message.

YouTube back but still acting up? Here's how to fix it

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

With YouTube back for many, the worst of the outage is firmly in the rear view — but for some of you, things might still look a little off. If that's you, don't panic. It's likely just your device clinging onto a broken version of the site from during the outage. Here's how to shake it loose.

First, try the quick fix.

Before anything else, give your browser or app a hard reset. On a computer, that means a hard refresh — Control + F5 on Windows, or Command + Shift + R on a Mac. On the app, swipe it away from your recent apps completely and reopen it fresh. Nine times out of ten, this is all you'll need.

Still not working? Clear your cache.

If the quick fix didn't do it, your cache might be the culprit. Essentially your device saved a "snapshot" of YouTube mid-outage and is still showing you that. On Windows or Mac, hit the three vertical dots in the top-right corner, select "Delete browsing data," check "Cached images and files," and hit delete.

If you're on iOS or Android, the process is the same from History onward — just tap the three horizontal dots along the bottom bar to get there instead.

Still having issues after all of this? Drop them in the comments.

Still some reports

(Image credit: Downdetector)

Not much has changed in the last couple hours. We're still seeing around 600 reports on Downdetector for YouTube, though it's unclear where those reports are coming from, as all accounts we can find say it's working perfectly.

Are you still experiencing issues with YouTube?

(Image credit: Downdetector)

In the most recent update at 2:00 p.m. ET, Downdetector was showing 638 outage reports for YouTube — which is slightly up from the previous update. These could be isolated events, especially when there's not much activity on social media from users about the service not working properly.

Another update

(Image credit: Ookla)

As of 3:59 p.m. ET, Downdetector was showing 591 outage reports for YouTube. If you're keeping track, that's down from the last update, which is certainly a good thing. Hopefully, this trend continues so you won't miss the latest upload from your favorite content creator.

2 years later, the Apple Vision Pro finally gets an official YouTube app

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:38:02 +0000

When the Appl Vision Pro launched in February of 2024, it was surprisingly missing the YouTube app. That all changes today (Feb. 12) with the arrival of an official, native YouTube app for visionOS.

According to Apple, your profiles, playlists, and watch history are accessible in the app. It also includes access to every kind of video from shorts to 3D, 360 and VR180 content.

At launch, Google said that YouTube for the Vision Pro was "on the road map," though the company declined to provide a timeline. The company did recommend using YouTube in the Safari browser.

YouTube

You can access the new YouTube app on the App Store right now. "The YouTube app turns every video on the platform into a spatial watch experience," the listing says.

If you have the newer Apple Vision Pro M5, you can even watch 8K videos, even as it seems to be the end for 8K TVs.

It's possible the YouTube app finally came to be thanks to Google's own VR/XR goals. The Samsung Galaxy XR was recently launched in October with an excellent version of YouTube available to Android XR users. And Google is rumored to be internally developing its own branded devices.

What Apple really needs to snag now is a native Netflix app. However, there don't seem to be any plans from the streamer to develop one.

YouTube TV just launched cheaper bundles starting at $54 — here's the four new options

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:10:49 +0000

YouTube TV announced that it was creating cheaper subscription package bundles in December, and they're finally here, sort of.

Starting this week, the new "YouTube TV Plans" are rolling out with an initial four plans. The streamer announced that more than 10 plans will become available over the next several weeks.

All the plans are cheaper than the current all-in plan that costs $82.99 a month. The cheapest new bundle plan will save you up to $28 a month.

These are the four plans that YouTube TV is launching first:

Entertainment: ($54.99/month, $44.99/month for new users). Built for "cinephiles and comedy buffs," this one includes FX, Hallmark, and channels like Comedy Central, Bravo, Paramount, Food Network, and more.
Sports: ($64.99/month, $54.99 for new users). Specifically for sports fans, this plan includes access to major channels such as NBC Sports, FS1, and all ESPN networks, plus ESPN Unlimited (coming this fall).
Sports + News: ($71.99/month, $56.99/month for new users). Bundle news channels like CNBC, Fox News, MSNBC, CNN and CSPAN alongside all of the sports channels.
News + Entertainment + Family: ($69.99/month, $59.99/month for new users). This bundle adds more family-friendly channels, including Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, National Geographic, and PBS Kids, to the news and entertainment bundles.

It should be noted that the Sports plan gets the lower price for new users for the first year. The other three plans only get the cheaper newbie price for the first three months.

YouTube TV says that you won't lose features on the plans. You should still have access to unlimited DVR, the ability to add 6 members to an account, key plays, and multiview.

Separately, you will still be able to access add-ons such as NFL Sunday Ticket, HBO Max and 4K Plus.

As with all Google rollouts, you may not see the new plans right away when looking at your subscription management page. I checked my YouTube TV page and don't have access to the new plans yet.

If you're not seeing the bundles, give it a couple of days, and they should pop up.

If I had to bet, the Sports package would likely be the most popular YouTube TV offers. Personally, I exclusively use YTTV to stream sports like college football and the Premier League when it's not locked to Peacock. So I am excited to save some money on the Sports plan.

It's nice to finally see a streaming service get a little cheaper after everything saw price hikes last year.

I am curious what the other plans YouTube TV wants to offer will include, as the first four seem fairly conclusive.

Super Bowl 2026 is old news, because NFL Sunday Ticket is already on sale for just $16 a month

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:34:02 +0000

NFL Sunday Ticket 2026: Pricing

NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV (new users): $16 a month ($192 a year)
NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube Primetime Channels (new users): $20 a month ($240 a year)
NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV (returning users): $31.50 a month ($378 a year)
NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube Primetime Channels (returning users): $40 a month ($480 a year)

It's never too early to think about NFL Sunday Ticket. The Super Bowl might have only just ended, but YouTube has already revealed its prices for the NFL-only streaming service for the 2026-27 regular season. Having seen the pricing myself, I can tell you that it's good news for some people, but it might be bad news for returning subscribers.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Sunday Ticket, it gives you access to every out-of-market NFL game on Sunday afternoons. That means you can't use it to stream local games or primetime games. But, if you live in a city that isn't the home of your favorite NFL team, or you're just someone who loves to watch every NFL game, then trust me, it's a must-have. Unfortunately, it's also incredibly expensive, usually starting at nearly $400.

But right now, you can get NFL Sunday Ticket for just $16 a month, and that's an absolute bargain.

If you want to watch every NFL game possible, you need NFL Sunday Ticket. This streaming service gives you access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. Sign up now for as little as $16 a month (for 12 months) through YouTube TV, and watch local and out-of-market games together with Multiview. If you don't already have YouTube TV, get it via our special promotion for $67.99 a month for your first five months View Deal

Now, there are a few things that need mentioning before you sign up.

First, you'll need to decide whether you're signing up via YouTube or via YouTube TV. Right now, it's cheaper to sign up via YouTube TV — $16 a month for 12 months compared to $20 a month for $12 months. You'll need an active YouTube TV subscription, though, and that will set you back an additional $82.99 a month. So if you're not planning to get YouTube TV or don't need it, you should sign up via YouTube instead.

If you do want YouTube TV, though, and don't have it yet, sign up right now for just $67.99 a month for your first five months. You'll need to use our link to get that deal — signing up through YouTube TV directly will only get you a promotional rate of $59.99 a month for your first two months. That's not bad, but our deal saves you an additional $29.

The best streaming service for watching the NFL, YouTube TV has all of the right channels and lets you add NFL Sunday Ticket at a discounted rate. Get it for $15 off a month for your first five months and start watching today.View Deal

Finally, it's important to note that these deep discounts are only for new users. If you're a returning user, you'll pay full price, which is currently $31.50 a month for 12 months ($378 a year) through YouTube TV. It gets even more expensive if you subscribe via YouTube: $40 a month for 12 months ($480 a year). My advice?

If you want NFL Sunday Ticket, you should create a new account. There's no reason to be a repeat customer and pay nearly double.

YouTube Music is locking this key feature behind a paywall — because apparently Google has no shame

tom.pritchard@futurenet.com (Tom Pritchard) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:23:58 +0000

If you're like me, you might struggle to understand some of the lyrics you hear in songs. Sometimes you just can't hear what the correct words are, and trying to sing along just leads you to mumble the tune until you get back to something you know. Or maybe that's just me.

In any case, having one of the best music streaming services with the lyrics available makes it an awful lot easier to avoid embarrassing yourself during your home karaoke sessions. The problem is that YouTube Music has just started restricting lyrics access for free members.

That's right, from now on, only paid subscribers get to figure out what the words to all their favorite songs actually are.

Wait, what's happening here?

As spotted by users on social media and 9to5Google, YouTube Music is now restricting access to the lyrics feature if you're a free user. Apparently, you get access to full lyrics for just five songs, after which you're limited to the first few lines and a mess of blurred-out ineligible text.

Youtube music now needs premium for lyrics from r/youtube

YouTube Music is warning people about this, too, noting that they have X many views remaining, and that you have to subscribe to Premium to gain full access to lyrics thereafter. Apparently, YouTube Premium and Music Premium subscriptions are both equally valid in this respect. They'll cost you $14 and $11 a month, respectively.

The new paywall has apparently been in testing for a few months and is starting to roll out globally right now. I haven't experienced it on my own YouTube Music account just yet, which apparently means I'm one of the lucky ones. But presumably, I don't have very long to enjoy this feature, without being told to hand over wads of cash to Google each month.

It feels like YouTube's getting greedier

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

I'm not one of those people who constantly go on about how good things used to be and how much worse things have gotten over the years. But in the case of YouTube, it is absolutely true, and it feels like the constant attempts to push people to subscribe to Premium are behind at least half of the problems — maybe more.

The quality of ads on YouTube proper is a testament to this. There's been a very noticeable downgrade over the past several years, with ads getting longer, appearing in greater frequency and offering fewer options to skip.

Not to mention the fact that some of those ads are truly appalling, advertising some of the worst products and services I've ever seen. That includes what appear to be scam products and propaganda for hate groups. If ever there was a need for ad blockers, it's YouTube ads — so it's no wonder Google's gone to war with them.

Admittedly, keeping some features behind a paywall does make sense, even though it would be nice for them to be freely available. Ad-free listening, offline downloads, higher resolution videos and things of that caliber. Background listening is one that really should be free, though, even if it's only on YouTube Music and not available for videos.

Come on, though. Lyrics?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

And we're now at the point where YouTube is paywalling lyrics. Admittedly, lyrics are easily available online, but you have to go looking for them for each song. Having them available in your music streaming app is one of those quality-of-life features that makes your service that little bit nicer to use. But Google saw an opportunity to get more subscriptions, and apparently decided to take it.

YouTube isn't actually the first streaming service to try this either, since Spotify attempted to paywall lyrics back in 2024. But mass backlash from users caused the company to reverse course and make lyrics freely available again. As they should be. Because we're at the point where I want to know whether there's anything YouTube won't do to try and push people to subscribe to Premium.

I use the lyrics feature a lot. Not just so I can sing along to things without feeling silly, but also so I can sing along to my son more effectively and get him to finally go to sleep. Sometimes he needs the actual lyrics, because mumbled acapella versions of the song don't seem to have the same effect.

YouTube Music's feature isn't perfect, and I've found so many songs that straight-up don't have any lyrics. But the ones that do, even if they don't auto-play through each line, make using the app so much nicer. And Google's decided you, and I need to pay for the privilege, because the ad revenue apparently isn't cutting it.

What's next, limiting the number of songs you can listen to without paying? I remember the backlash when Spotify tried that too. It lasted almost 2 years before they switched it back, but by then, I had stopped using Spotify and never went back. I wouldn't put it past Google and YouTube to try, to be honest.

How to watch YouTube TV from anywhere (free trial)

Tom Bailey — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:47:05 +0000

Stream YouTube TV (free trial) in the U.S.
Abroad: Watch YouTube TV anywhere with a fast VPN (75% off)
All 104 World Cup matches LIVE!

Looking to watch YouTube TV – the pay-TV version of YouTube – from outside the United States? If you're visiting the U.K., Canada, Australia or indeed anywhere else, you can use a VPN – NordVPN works best – to unblock YouTube TV and watch FIFA World Cup games as normal from any location.

YouTube TV offers a free trial, too, so you can access that and watch live sports and TV from anywhere. That's ideal if you're looking to take in the festival of football that is the World Cup 2026, but don't have cable. All games are set to show on Fox and FS1, which are both part of YouTube TV's standard channel line-ups.

Ready to catch every minute of the World Cup and more on YouTube TV from anywhere in the world? Whether you’re on the beach or stuck in Europe, our guide reveals how to stream YouTube TV live like you’re back home in the U.S.

How to watch YouTube TV free in the U.S.

Watching YouTube TV in the U.S. is about as easy as hitting play and settling in to watch the likes of the NFL, World Cup, Premier League or the latest binge-watch drama.

With full access to live TV, local U.S. channels, major networks, sports, news, and unlimited cloud DVR, YouTube TV lets you stream cable-free on your phone, smart TV, laptop, or tablet – at home or on the go.

Traveling outside the USA? You can watch YouTube TV from outside the U.S. with a VPN. Not all VPNs work with YouTube TV, but we've found the right one for you...

How to watch YouTube from anywhere

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Use NordVPN to unblock YouTube TV live stream with this exclusive deal. View Deal

Do you need a VPN to watch YouTube TV from abroad?

Yes – it's confirmed that a good VPN that connects you to a U.S. server is required to bypass the geo-restriction so YouTube TV thinks you’re back at home in the U.S.

What streaming devices are supported by YouTube TV?

📱 Mobile & Web

Android phones & tablets (Android L or later)
iPhone & iPad (iOS 15 or later)
Web browsers — watch via tv.youtube.com on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.

📺 Smart TVs

🎮 Streaming Media Players & Set‑tops

🎮 Game Consoles & Smart Displays

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4/Pro
Google Nest Hub / Smart displays with YouTube TV support

How to watch Grammys for free – stream a replay of the 2026 music awards at no cost

Tom Bailey — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 23:49:58 +0000

Want to watch the Grammys 2026 for free without missing a note? You’re in the right place. Here's how to watch the full replay for free with a smart workaround – no backstage pass required.

The Grammys was live on CBS in the U.S. on cable – but what about streamers?

Good news: you can get a front row seat to "music's biggest night" without spending a dime thanks to the following live TV streaming free trials:

Sign up to YouTube TV and you'll find that it allow new users to test-drive their plans at zero cost. (We've checked ourselves and YouTube TV has a full Grammys replay available right now).

Ready to tune into the 68th Grammy Awards from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles? Here's all you need to know about how to watch Grammys 2026 replay for free – even outside the U.S in the U.K. and Canada.

How to watch the Grammys for free (replay)

CBS ennjoyed the rights to air the Grammys 2026 live at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 1.

The easiest way to replay the Grammys free is to jump on a live TV streaming service.

YouTube TVand DirecTV offer free trials. Note that you should search for "the Grammy Awards" if you want to find it on YouTube TV. It should then pop up.

You can stream the show on your phone, TV, or laptop, then cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

It’s completely legal, takes just a few minutes, and means you can enjoy music’s biggest night for free.

Traveling abroad? Access your usual U.S. services (or even sign up to their free trials) with a VPN. We're using NordVPN (save 70%) right now and it works fine.

How to watch Grammys for free from anywhere

If you're stuck abroad – where the Grammys is not on Paramount Plus – you can watch Grammys free streams and replays from anywhere with the best VPNs.

NordVPN is our top choice, and our VPN testing expert Mike confirms it's the most reliable option to stream Grammys live from outside the U.S..

NordVPN deal: 3 Months Extra FREE

Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN to watch the Grammys live from anywhere.

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✅ Access to YouTube TV, Fubo free trials

Use Nord to unblock your usual American streaming service and watch the 2026 Grammys when stuck abroad.

How to watch Grammys replays for free in the U.S. and U.K.

(Image credit: Paramount Plus)

🇺🇸 United States — Free Grammys replays

Paramount+ on-demand: After the live Grammys air on CBS, the full ceremony is usually available to watch later on Paramount+ on demand. Even if you missed it live, you can sign up to Paramount+ Essential.

YouTube TV (free trial): According to our U.S. streaming expert Malcolm, there's a full replay of the Grammy Awards available on YouTube TV now. Make sure you search for "the Grammy Awards" – that seems to bring it up.

CBS.com & app: Sometimes the Grammys replay or highlights are posted on CBS’s official site or app after the show has aired; check there. Again, you may need to use a VPN to access CBS's content when outside North America.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Free Grammys replay

Paramount+ on demand (TBC): Paramount told us that unlike fans in the U.S., U.K. viewers can't watch the Grammys live as part of a plan or free trial. However, a full replay (minus the scandalous bits) will be available soon after.

Official GRAMMY YouTube: UK viewers can watch performance clips, highlights, and sometimes full segments on the Recording Academy's official Grammy YouTube channel after the event.

Why isn't the Grammys available live in the U.K.?

Even though Paramount+ exists in both the U.S. and the U.K., the full live Grammy Awards are not included in the U.K. version due to geo‑restricted licensing deals.

UK fans still see clips, highlights, and the Premiere Ceremony, but the main live show isn’t carried on Paramount Plus U.K. without handy workarounds like a VPN that make it look like you’re back in the U.S.

YouTube TV is getting a major DVR upgrade that will make watching what you record so much easier

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:43:00 +0000

According to a new report, YouTube TV is getting a major DVR upgrade that will allow you to navigate directly to specific spots in recorded programs. It finally makes watching shows you've recorded easier and improves one of the best live TV streaming services.

The new feature is available for YouTube TV subscribers now, according to Cord Cutters News. They highlighted how it might work with a news show like ABC World News Tonight, where you could skip individual news segments.

It's unclear if this would allow you to skip chunks of commercials to the next section of the show or news program. Basically, it transforms the current recording tool into a more intelligent playback system.

According to Cord Cutter News, the feature is made possible thanks to metadata provided by channels like ABC. The network supplies the information, such as timestamps and markers.

YouTube TV takes that data to create chapters in the recording. You should see options to select and jump to the chapters.

Apparently, the section skipping feature is currently only available with select programs. ABC World News Tonight is one such example. For now, it seems the feature is mainly for programs that split evenly into standalone segments, like the daily news.

Beyond this report, I could not find anything official directly from YouTube announcing the new feature. I've reached out to YouTube for confirmation and more details on the alleged upgrade.

We will update that article once YouTube responds.

YouTube says AI is 'not a replacement' for expression, while letting creators replace themselves with AI

jeff.parsons@futurenet.com (Jeff Parsons) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:29:10 +0000

YouTube is doubling down on AI as a content production method by announcing that creators will be able to use an AI likeness of themselves to make Shorts. That means, conceivably, you could start watching Shorts from your favorite YouTubers that don't contain any real footage at all.

Just like enjoying some AI-generated music in your Spotify Discover mix, the move into AI from streaming platforms like YouTube will allow them to dramatically increase the amount of available content much faster.

YouTube unveiled Shorts to directly compete with TikTok and now, according to CEO Neal Mohan, the short-form videos draw around 200 billion views every day.

"This year you'll be able to create a Short using your own likeness, produce games with a simple text prompt, and experiment with music," Mohan wrote in his annual letter. "Throughout this evolution, AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement."

Fighting AI slop

YouTube has guardrails in place to pick up when a creator's voice or face is used without permission in other videos.

Although creators will soon be able to use AI to turbocharge their Shorts, there are going to be some limitations on possible deepfakes.

YouTube has guardrails in place to pick up when a creator's voice or face is used without permission in other videos. In addition, the site will label any content created using its AI products and says that creators must disclose when they've created realistic, altered or synthetic content.

Mohan addressed the issue of AI slop in his letter: "Over the past 20 years, we’ve learned not to impose any preconceived notions on the creator ecosystem.

"But with this openness comes a responsibility to maintain the high quality viewing experience that people want. To reduce the spread of low quality AI content, we’re actively building on our established systems that have been very successful in combatting spam and clickbait, and reducing the spread of low quality, repetitive content."

I found this 2000s thriller streaming free on YouTube and it’s way more unsettling than I expected

Brittany Vincent — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

At a Glance: 'Saving Emily'

The Vibe: High-stakes medical drama meets 2000s psychological thriller.
The Hook: A mother must choose between her daughter's life and her own safety when her toxic ex-husband is the only matching donor.
Where to Watch: Free on YouTube
Perfect for Fans of: "Double Jeopardy," "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and classic Lifetime movies.

I’m no stranger to cheesy thrillers. Growing up in the 2000s, they were a staple of my movie diet, and many have remained favorites as I’ve gotten older. I have a soft spot for the "soapiest" ones — the worried moms, the custody battles and the Lifetime-style flicks that anyone can jump into and enjoy. That’s probably why I’m constantly recommending "Saving Emily," which is currently available to stream for free on YouTube.

It may look like a simple TV movie at first (and it is, don’t get me wrong), but it’s actually much more unsettling than you might think. It’s tense, paced beautifully, and offers a sharp look at how far a parent will go when a medical diagnosis doesn't come with a clean solution. In this case, the only way out is reaching out to a man who is absolutely no good.

What makes this such a great find on YouTube is its restraint. There are no cartoonishly evil doctors or frustratingly ridiculous characters making nonsensical choices. Because the story stays grounded, the suspense feels earned. It’s a fantastic watch that won't cost you a dime, and you can hit play on it right now.

Plot: What is 'Saving Emily' about?

Cheryl (Alexandra Paul) is a devoted mother whose daughter, Emily (Annie Bovaird), has been diagnosed with leukemia. To save her, Emily needs a tissue match for a transplant, but Cheryl isn't compatible. There’s only one person who is: her abusive ex-husband, Kurt (Michael Riley).

Cheryl is stuck in a nightmare, but letting Emily die isn't an option. She reluctantly reaches out to her ex, leading to a series of complicated attempts to get him to agree. Meanwhile, her new husband, Gregory (Bruce Boxleitner), is understandably "feeling a type of way" about the ex-husband's return.

But things aren't as clean as they sound. Cheryl soon finds herself the victim of blackmail, and it seems there’s no easy escape. She has to navigate her current marriage and her slimy ex to get the sample Emily needs to survive, all while trying to outmaneuver the growing drama.

Why 'Saving Emily' is worth streaming on YouTube

We can all relate to that feeling of desperation when a loved one is in trouble. That’s what makes "Saving Emily" so intriguing to me; it takes a universal fear and turns it into a high-stakes thriller.

That emotional hook elevates the film from a banal thriller into one that makes you wonder, "What would I do in her shoes?" As cheesy as it might sound, that connection makes the movie even more enjoyable. If you’re ready for a fun, family-centric thriller that actually makes sense, this hidden gem is waiting for you for free on YouTube.

I've been watching YouTube wrong — this hidden mobile feature is a game changer

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:30:00 +0000

I watch a lot of YouTube, and I've always used the 2x playback speed setting for videos that don't need my full attention. But changing the speed requires opening the settings menu, which adds friction when I just want to quickly skim past intros or boring sections.

Last week, I accidentally discovered a gesture that changed everything. I tapped and held on the video screen during playback, and it immediately jumped to 2x speed. When I lifted my finger, it returned to normal. This simple gesture lets me speed through any part of a video instantly without opening menus. Here's how it works and why it's a game-changer.

How the gesture works

(Image: © SOPA Images / Getty Images)

Tap and hold anywhere on the video playback screen while watching a YouTube video on mobile. The video immediately plays at 2x speed. Keep your finger pressed for as long as you want faster playback.

Lift your finger and the video returns to normal speed. You can use this at any point — during intros, slow sections, or outros. It works in portrait or landscape mode and even works in Incognito mode.

Why it's better than the settings menu

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Setting YouTube to 2x speed through settings means watching the entire video at that speed unless you change it back. If you want to change playback speed manually, you have to tap the gear icon (on the video player, select Playback speed, and choose a faster or slower option.

Most videos have sections worth your full attention and sections that don't. The tap-and-hold gesture gives you instant control to speed up or slow down moment by moment without opening any menus. I use it at the start of videos to get through intros without completely skipping them, so I don't miss anything important.

I also use it during reviews when creators cover features I don't care about. If you do want to watch an entire video at increased speed, use the settings menu. But for quick bursts to skip specific sections, the gesture is much faster.

It beats skipping ahead

(Image: © Dzmitrock/Shutterstock)

YouTube's double-tap skip jumps ahead 10 seconds at a time, but you're guessing where to land. You might miss something important or have to tap multiple times. The tap-and-hold gesture lets you see and hear what's happening at 2x speed, so you know exactly when to slow down. You're not making blind jumps.

You can watch intros and filler at double speed while still understanding what's being said, then immediately return to normal speed when the actual content begins.

YouTube TV just added 2 new sports channels in time for the Winter Olympics

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:43:59 +0000

YouTube TV isn't just our pick for the best live TV streaming service overall; we also rate it particularly high for watching live sports. Features such as Multiview, combined with a wide range of sports channels, make it a great option. It recently even added a new sports channel — NBCSN — and now, it's adding two more ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Users in the YouTube TV subreddit are reporting that the cable TV alternative has quietly added NBCSN 2 and NBCSN 3, in addition to the main NBCSN channel. These are likely overflow channels and have already started airing some programs from NBCUniversal's stable of sports offerings, including NBA broadcasts. That seems to indicate that, while these additions are coming ahead of next month's Winter Olympics, they might be here to stay once the winter games are over.

Annoyingly, I haven't received access to these bonus sports channels yet, which users say should show up at the end of your custom Live TV guides in the YouTube TV user interface. I'm hoping this is either just an issue of a slow rollout or user error on my part, because I would definitely enjoy more live sports channels in my life.

While YouTube TV gets additional NBC channels, Fubo is still in the dark

Unfortunately, not everyone is receiving free gifts from NBC. While NBCSN is now back on YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and other live TV services, one service is still out in the cold of the Winter Olympics. Fubo, which has been in a standoff with NBCUniversal for months, still doesn't have access to NBCSN or any NBCUniversal networks.

So if you're looking to watch the Winter Olympics this year, you might want to consider YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV or even Sling Blue in select markets. For now, it seems like Fubo won't be attending the opening ceremony.

Disney's killer Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited deal is ending at midnight tonight

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:17:52 +0000

Streaming services are only getting more expensive every year, and 2026 won't be any different. Especially since the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundle is about to return to full price. But it's not too late to reap some savings — though you'll have to act fast. Because once the clock strikes midnight, this streaming deal is gone for good.

Right now, you can get the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle for just $29.99. There are a few ways to look at just how good this deal is. On the one hand, this streaming bundle normally costs $35.99, so you're saving just a respectable 17% discount on the normal price. But if you were to sign up for all three services separately, it'd cost $53.97 a month, so this promotional price of $29.99 saves you a whopping 44% on the normal price.

Personally, I prefer to look at it as getting two streaming services for free. Disney normally charges $29.99 a month for just ESPN Unlimited. So if you take advantage of this deal, you get Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) for no extra charge. Even better, you get them free for an entire year.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Get ESPN Unlimited and Disney Plus, Hulu Bundle Basic bundle for $29.99 a month for 12 months — that's Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) free for 12 months. That means Marvel movies, college football and catching up on "Only Murders in the Building" all for just $29.99 a month. View Deal

Why you should get the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle

As I've already stated, this is a great deal, and you'll want to act fast. It's literally disappearing at 12 a.m. ET on Jan. 6, 2026. But, you're still spending $30 a month on it, so it's worth figuring out if the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle is right for you.

If you're someone who doesn't need the full live TV streaming service experience, this bundle is definitely a great option for getting a lot of great shows, movies and live sports for less. With Disney+, you get Disney movies, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. With Hulu, you get shows and movies from several other Disney-owned studios. This includes hit shows like "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building," or movies like "Predator: Badlands" when it eventually comes to streaming services.

Finally, for sports fans, you get ESPN Unlimited. That means you get a lot of live sports. ESPN Unlimited comes with every ESPN linear TV network: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN3, SEC Network Plus and ACC Network Extra. Plus, you get ESPN Plus-branded content and WWE Premium Live Events. So if you're a professional wrestling fan, ESPN Unlimited is a must-have.

If this mix of shows, movies and live events feels like the right mix for you, then stop what you're doing and sign up for the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited deal before midnight (Jan. 6). Otherwise, it'll be too late.

3 best action movies on YouTube you can stream for free

Brittany Vincent — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Clear your schedule and turn the volume up. If you’re in the mood for explosions, chase scenes and high-octane thrills, YouTube has you covered. You don't need an expensive subscription for movie night when YouTube has plenty of free action flicks to take in.

You might be surprised to learn that YouTube hosts a rotating selection of full-length movies that can be streamed for free with ads. Yes, you can watch them all, all without YouTube asking you to spend a cent or sign up for YouTube Premium. That makes it one of the easiest ways to jump into action-packed entertainment on demand, and there are plenty of movies to choose from.

To save you the hassle of digging through endless search results, we’ve rounded up some of the best free action movies you can stream on YouTube right now. If you’re ready for some of the most exciting popcorn movies on the platform, sit back and relax, because these are it.

'Starship Troopers'

In this campy sci-fi action flick, Earth is at war with giant alien insects known as the Bugs. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) joins the military and is sent into space to fight on the front lines against the four-legged freaks for humanity to live another day. But what starts as an exciting adventure quickly becomes much more dangerous as Johnny and his fellow soldiers face some brutal battles.

The only thing that really matters, however, is that the good guys get to lay the smackdown on the bugs and humanity ends up triumphing like it always does in the end. Would you like to know more?

Watch on YouTube

'Road House'

Dalton (Patrick Swayze) is a bouncer who’s hired to clean up a rough, out-of-control bar in a small Missouri town. Known for his calm personality and brutal fighting skills, Dalton is brought in to restore order, but his presence quickly attracts trouble from the local crime boss who runs the town through intimidation and violence. Isn't that always the way?

When things get especially disastrous, Dalton has to fight to protect the entire bar, his friends, and himself. Rest in peace, Swayze, and thanks for giving us this Peter Griffin-approved classic.

Watch on YouTube

'The Departed'

Two men live double lives on opposite sides of the law in Boston in "The Departed." Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes undercover inside a powerful Irish crime organization, while Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) secretly works as a mole for the same criminals while he makes his way up the ranks in the state police.

Both are trying to stay hidden as each side realizes there is a traitor in their ranks. If you like smart, intelligently-paced action with star-studded talent, this is one flick you're going to want to catch, especially if you're a big DiCaprio fan.

Watch on YouTube

YouTube was down — here's what happened

Jason England — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:37:14 +0000

YouTube went through an outage affecting millions of users across the globe. With over 12,000 outage reports on Down Detector at its peak, users are sharing the 502 page error they are all seeing.

A 502 bug is typical when there's a problem with the servers, and users reported the US, Spain, Japan and more were affected. Other countries like the UK were unaffected and the app was all fine too. This impacted the website specifically.

That's a big spike

(Image credit: Down detector)

We're currently at 12,934 user outage reports at the time of writing. According to our StatusGator and user reports, this seems to be an outage impacting the website — the mobile app seems to be OK.

What users are seeing

Feels like a vibe coder pushed some changes to YouTubeis youtube down?#YouTubeハイライト #Google pic.twitter.com/XGJvQT2Rr8December 19, 2025

This is what a lot of the users in the U.S. are seeing when trying to enter YouTube or YouTube TV — a 502 server error. "Please try again in 30 seconds," the error message reads.

A potential fix?

(Image credit: Down detector)

A small but important turn in the tide of outage reports. This may be a blip!

Was this a broader Google thing?

(Image credit: Down detector)

There's a chance this may be something more on Google's server side of things. There have been outage reports on the big G's side too, but nowhere near the same size as YouTube. So this could be a bit of a red herring — you see them often when it comes to people blaming the servers rather than the service.

Looks like it (might) be over

(Image credit: Down detector)

Outage reports have just taken a massive dive, and Tom's Guide staff are confirming YouTube loads again in the U.S.

YouTube just stole the Oscars from ABC and it's a massive change

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:46:15 +0000

The Oscars are going streaming, and YouTube is getting the biggest night in Hollywood. Starting in 2029, YouTube will become the exclusive home of the Academy Awards, taking over from ABC after more than five decades. The Google-owned platform beat out multiple bidders, including ABC itself, for the rights to the prestigious ceremony.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the deal in a press release, confirming that YouTube will air the 101st Oscars and continue hosting the show through 2033.

YouTube’s win underscores how aggressively tech companies are moving into live, prestige programming once dominated by traditional linear networks. Netflix began streaming the SAG Awards in 2024 (with the show now rebranded as the Actors Awards). And Apple, Amazon and other platforms continue to chase big, live events such as awards and sports.

Global push

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Meanwhile, the Oscars have been struggling in the ratings for years and grappling with relevance in a fragmented media landscape. Giving the ceremony to a giant global streaming platform signals the Academy has bowed to the reality that audiences aren’t watching network or cable TV … or even TV at all.

“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement.

The deal includes access to a number of related events, including the Governors Awards, the Oscars Nominations Announcement, the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, the Scientific and Technical awards, as well as interviews, film education programs and podcasts.

What's next?

“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. “Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

Reportedly, losing the Oscars was a relief to Disney execs who didn’t want to spend the kind of money that the Academy was seeking. An ABC spokesperson told Deadline that it was proud to host the Oscars for more than half a century and wished success to the Academy.

The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,
Neal Mohan YouTube CEO

It’s unclear from the press release how the Oscars will stream across YouTube’s ecosystem. It may air only on the YouTube platform, or it could be simulcast on YouTube TV.

What is clear is that the Oscars aren’t betting on appointment television. Instead, it will rely on global reach and the algorithm to maintain its status as a cultural touchstone into the 2030s.

Is the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN deal worth it? Here's why you should get it before it's gone

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:47:57 +0000

Streaming service deals have largely come and gone for 2025. Black Friday and Cyber Monday both had some great deals. But now, as the dust settles, only one great streaming deal remains: the Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN bundle. If you're looking to cut the cord, this bundle is worth checking out — especially since it's currently on sale through Jan. 5, 2026.

Right now, you can get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle for just $29.99. That's a respectable 17% discount on the normal price, but it's also the same price Disney normally charges for just ESPN Unlimited. So you're essentially getting two streaming services for free.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Get ESPN Unlimited and Disney Plus, Hulu Bundle Basic bundle for $29.99 a month for 12 months — that's Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) free for 12 months. That means Marvel movies, college football bowl games and catching up on "Only Murders in the Building" all for just $29.99 a month. View Deal

Why you should get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle

While this is a great deal, you're still spending $30 a month on it. So it's worth examining if the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle is actually the right solution for you.

If you're someone who doesn't need the full live TV streaming service experience, this bundle is definitely a great option for getting a lot of great shows, movies and live sports for less. It gives you Disney Plus (with ads), meaning you get Disney movies, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. It also gives you Hulu (with ads), which features shows and movies from Disney-owned studios that aren't the mothership studio. This includes hit shows like "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building," or movies like "Predator: Badlands" when it eventually comes to streaming services.

Plus, you get ESPN Unlimited, and that gives you a lot of live sports. You get every ESPN linear TV network: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN3, SEC Network Plus and ACC Network Extra. Plus, you get ESPN Plus-branded content and WWE Premium Live Events. If you're a professional wrestling fan, ESPN Unlimited is a must-have because you'll definitely want to watch those PLEs.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Netflix)

Now, if you are someone who prefers the cable experience, but without the cable prices, then this cord-cutting deal might not get you what you want. It doesn't include a live stream of your local ABC channel. And while shows and movies that debut on many Disney-owned networks can make their way to Disney Plus or Hulu as quickly as the same day they air on linear networks, shows that air on the Disney Channel often won't make their way to Disney Plus until after the season has aired in full.

So if you're someone who needs these specific channels, you might want to consider a cable TV alternative like Hulu with Live TV rather than the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle. This live TV streaming service is very similar to YouTube TV, which is our top-rated live TV service. It offers similar features, channels, etc., but it also gives you the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle included in your subscription for free.

Right now, you can get Hulu with Live TV for $89.99 a month. That's admittedly full price, but you're getting three streaming services as part of your subscription, so it's still a great value. If you're looking for a great deal on a cable alternative, you could check out YouTube TV instead. Right now, YouTube TV is just $62.99 a month for your first five monthswhich is a great deal. It just doesn't include Disney Plus or Hulu — though ESPN Unlimited is coming to subscribers soon!

I just discovered YouTube's version of Spotify Wrapped — here's how to find yours

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:30:00 +0000

I just found out YouTube has its own version of Spotify Wrapped, and honestly, I had no idea this existed until now. YouTube Recap breaks down everything you watched in 2025 — not just music, but your complete viewing history across the platform.

The feature rolled out to North America first and is expanding globally this week, accessible on both mobile and desktop. When I tried to find mine initially, the banner on the homepage never showed up, so I had to search for it manually.

If you're just discovering this feature (like I did), here's how to actually access your Recap when it's not appearing where it should.

1. Check the You tab in the YouTube app

Open the YouTube app on your phone and tap the "You" tab at the bottom of the screen. Just below your profile details, you should see a banner button that says "Your Recap is here." Tap that banner to launch your personalized Recap.

This feature is rolling out across the globe right now, so if you don't see it yet, check back over the weekend.

2. What does YouTube Recap show you?

You'll get up to 12 different cards highlighting your top channels, interests, and how your viewing habits evolved over the year. YouTube also assigns you one of at least 11 personality types based on what you watched.

For example, if you watched a lot of skill-building content like tutorials and how-tos, you might be labeled a "Skill Builder." If you gravitated toward positive, uplifting videos, you're probably a "Sunshiner." The most common personalities are Sunshiner, Wonder Seeker, and Connector, while Philosopher and Dreamer are the rarest.

3. Make sure you're eligible

Not everyone gets a YouTube Recap. You need to meet certain requirements for it to generate. Children under 13 (or below the age requirement in your country) aren't eligible, and neither are supervised accounts.

Also, if you had your watch history paused at any point during 2025 or if you enabled auto-delete settings for your viewing history, those videos won't count toward your Recap.

This means if you've been privacy-conscious and regularly clear your watch history, you might not have enough data for YouTube to create a full Recap. If this applies to you and you want to see your Recap next year, make sure your watch history is turned on.

YouTube Music is finally adding a feature Spotify has had for years — but of course, there's a catch

josh.render@futurenet.com (Josh Render) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:31:02 +0000

It appears that YouTube Music could soon receive a long-awaited search feature that could help it better compete against the rest of the best music streaming services.

There's nothing inherently wrong with YouTube Music, but it does lack some of the usability that other apps like Spotify have. This includes being able to quickly search within a playlist for a certain song. However, a screenshot shared on Reddit from user xerus9915 reveals that a new "Find in Playlist" option is at least in the works.

According to the post, the feature is available on version 8.45.3 of the app, but the post also notes that it is still impossible to search through radios saved to their library. When fully functional, this feature would be a big win for long-time YouTube Music users, as the current best means to search within playlists is via a browser extension, leaving app users out in the cold.

(Image credit: Reddit user xerus9915)

However, there is some bad news as the addition is only appearing on select iOS devices at the moment, although other Reddit users commenting on the post claim that the feature has not appeared on their iOS devices. This could indicate that the “find in playlist” feature is still in the A/B testing phase, which would match Google’s usual approach when it comes to new features.

On the plus side, it looks like "Find in Playlist" is as easy to use as we would hope. All users will need to do is tap the three-dot menu located next to a playlist. Once there, simply selecting the option and then searching for a specific song will reveal if anything matching the search term is in that playlist.

This isn’t the only new feature announced for YouTube Music, as the company announced a brand new AI feature being tested as part of the YouTube Labs project. This new addition is based around trivia and commentary, offering the user facts and stories about the tracks and artists.

For the time being, we will have to wait and see when YouTube Music fully releases the means to search for a song or artist, and which phones will gain access. However, we would hope that it comes sooner rather than later, and we will make sure to update you as soon as we know more.

Let us know if this is a change that would bring you back to using YouTube Music if you recently dropped it, or if there are other features and additions that you would like to see in the future.

NFL Sunday Ticket just hit its lowest price of the season — now over $100 off

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:15:29 +0000

If you're an NFL fan, then NFL Sunday Ticket is on your radar. The streaming service gives you access to every out-of-market NFL game on Sunday afternoons, and if you're looking to watch every NFL game this season, it's a must-have. Unfortunately, it's incredibly expensive, starting at over $300, and even the most recent markdown had it at a still pricey $150.

Well, football fans, rejoice: Right now, you can get NFL Sunday Ticket for a limited time for just $48. That's 68% off the $150 list price and over $100 in savings. If you're a returning user, you're not eligible for this price, but returning users can get NFL Sunday Ticket for just $62 right now, which is still pretty good. According to YouTube, these early Black Friday deals will disappear on Dec. 1, so you'll want to act fast.

If you want to watch every NFL game possible, you need NFL Sunday Ticket. This streaming service gives you access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. Add YouTube TV for $62.99 a month for five months and watch local and out-of-market games together with Multiview. Sunday Ticket deal for new users only. Returning users can sign up for just $62.View Deal

Now, before you sign up, you'll need to decide whether you're signing up via YouTube or via YouTube TV. The price is the same either way, but if you're thinking of subscribing to YouTube TV or are already subscribed, then signing up through YouTube TV is the better move, since your Sunday Ticket games will then be available in the YouTube TV app. That's important when it comes to watching multiple games at once — with YouTube TV's multiview, you can stream up to four local and Sunday Ticket games on the same screen.

If you don't have YouTube TV yet, sign up right now for just $62.99 a month for your first five months. You'll need to use our link to get that deal — signing up through YouTube TV directly will only get you a promotional rate of $72.99 a month for your first three months. That's not bad, but our deal saves you an additional $70 over the course of five months.

The best streaming service for getting 2025-26 NFL livestreams, YouTube TV has all of the right network channels and lets you add NFL Sunday Ticket at a discounted rate. Get it for $20 off a month for your first five months and start watching today.View Deal

Remember: This NFL Sunday Ticket promotion expires on Dec. 1, so you'll want to act fast if you're trying to score Sunday Ticket at its cheapest price yet. The YouTube TV promotion also has an expiration date — make sure to sign up before the end of the year.

YouTube TV starts rolling out $20 credits over Disney-ESPN blackout — how to claim yours now

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:56:40 +0000

YouTube TV has begun issuing the promised $20 credits to subscribers affected by the ongoing Disney-ESPN channel blackout. The compensation comes as the distribution dispute enters its second week with no immediate resolution in sight, leaving sports fans without access to major events during peak college and NFL football seasons.

The streaming service began emailing customers on Sunday, November 9, informing them about the credit availability. According to multiple reports, all YouTube TV subscribers should receive notification about the credit by November 12, so keep checking your inbox if you haven't seen the message yet.

Why YouTube TV is issuing credits

The $20 credit comes after YouTube TV lost all Disney-owned channels on November 1 when the distribution agreement between the companies expired without renewal. This blackout removed popular networks including ESPN, ABC and FX from the service.

YouTube's parent company Google promised this compensation last week if the channels remained unavailable for what they termed an "extended period." With major sporting events affected, the credit aims to partially offset subscriber frustration during the ongoing dispute. If you're owed $20 credits, here's how you can claim it.

1. Go to Settings

To check if you've received the credit, log into your YouTube TV account through a web browser and go to Settings.

2. Select Updates

Next, find Updates at the end of the page and click it.

3. Click Claim credit

In the updates page, you'll see an acknowledgement of the Disney dispute, and that Youtube TV is offering you with a one-time $20 credit.

Choose Claim credit. After selecting this, you'll be taken to a final confirmation page.

4. Confirmation

You'll see confirmation stating that the $20 has been credited to you, and will applied towards your next bill.

What this means for subscribers

While the $20 credit provides some relief, it represents only a fraction of the monthly YouTube TV subscription cost of $82. Sports fans missing crucial games during peak seasons may find the compensation inadequate compared to the content loss.

Subscribers who primarily joined for sports content may need to consider alternatives if a resolution isn't reached soon, especially with the NFL and college basketball seasons in full swing. We have a list of 3 YouTube TV alternatives if you're fed up with the blackout.

3 ways you can stream ESPN and ABC for free right now

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:44:59 +0000

If you're like me, then the YouTube TV vs. Disney contract dispute has left you without ESPN and ABC. Subscribers to the popular live TV streaming service have been without access to all Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC, since midnight on Oct. 31. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight — YouTube TV is even offering customers $20 credits — and that means if you want to watch Monday Night Football tonight (Nov. 10) on YouTube TV, you're out of luck.

There is some good news, though. While you can't watch ESPN or ABC right now on YouTube TV, there are a few ways to watch both channels for free. While the ESPN streaming service and the Disney, Hulu, ESPN bundle don't have free trials, there are some cable alternatives with free trials and a hardware-based solution that will have you watching the game for free. Here are the three ways you can stream ESPN and ABC for free right now.

3 ways to stream ESPN and ABC for free

Fubo 5-day free trial

One option for streaming ESPN and ABC for free is Fubo. Right now, you can try Fubo TV free for five days, after which you get one month at a discounted rate.

Currently, Fubo offers three plans that will get you access to both ESPN and ABC. Fubo Sports is currently the cheapest one, and it gives you 28 channels and ESPN Unlimited. It also includes local ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates. It's normally $55.99 a month, but for right now, you can get Fubo Sports for just $45.99 for one month once your five-day free trial is over.

Fubo gives you access to every ESPN network, as well as ABC, regardless of which plan you choose (excluding Fubo TV Latino). If you just want sports, the Sports plan gives you ESPN and ABC for just $56 a month. If you want more, Fubo TV Pro starts at $85 a month, and Fubo TV Elite with Sports Plus gives you even more (including a free Apple TV 4K streaming device with a six-month commitment), starting at $105. All Fubo plans are currently on sale for a limited time.View Deal

If you're looking for a more complete cord-cutting experience that can replace YouTube TV, you'll want Fubo TV Pro. This package includes 245 channels, including your local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates, as well as ESPN Unlimited. You also get access to local NBA, NHL and MLB games via regional sports networks (availability of RSNs varies by market and additional fees may apply). Fubo TV Pro is currently on sale for just $54.99 for your first month ($84.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over.

For those looking for the most Fubo has to offer, including 4K streaming, you'll want Fubo TV Elite with Sports Plus. This package includes 321 channels, including your local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates, as well as ESPN Unlimited and NFL RedZone. You also get access to local NBA, NHL and MLB games via regional sports networks (availability of RSNs varies by market and additional fees may apply). You even get a free Apple TV 4K streaming device for a limited time (free Apple TV 4K requires a six-month commitment.

Fubo TV Elite with Sports Plus is currently on sale for just $74.99 for your first month ($104.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over.

Note: Fubo prices do not include taxes and fees

DirecTV 5-day free trial

If Fubo isn't for you, then consider DirecTV. Not only does it offer a five-day free trial, but its Entertainment package offers ESPN and ABC for less than Fubo Sports. That's because, right now, you can get DirecTV starting at just $49.99 a month for your first month.

Every DirecTV signature package offers ESPN and ABC. Entertainment is the cheapest, currently offering 90+ channels for just $49.99 for your first month ($89.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. If you want a bit more, Choice offers over 125 channels for just $59.99 for your first month ($94.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. If you want access to MLB Network, NBA TV, Big Ten Network or regional sports networks (RSN availability varies by market), you'll want to opt for Choice over Entertainment.

If you want a free trial, ESPN and ABC, then DirecTV is worth considering. Especially since its Entertainment package is currently on sale for $49.99 a month (plus taxes & fees) once your free trial is over. That's cheaper than any promotion Fubo is currently offering. Just note that, once your promotional period is over, DirecTV does become the more expensive option.View Deal

Again, either of those plans gets you ESPN Unlimited and your local ABC affiliate. But if you want the most that DirecTV has to offer, there are two higher-tier plans. Ultimate offers over 160 channels for just $89.99 for your first month ($124.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. It throws in NHL Network, CBS Sports Network and FS2 for those of you looking for even more sports.

Finally, there is the Premier package, which offers a whopping 185+ channels for just $124.99 for your first month ($169.99 per month after that) once your five-day free trial is over. For your money, you also get Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads), Starz, Paramount Plus with Showtime, Cinemax and HBO Max. So if you're someone who likes to have all the best streaming services, this may be the plan for you.

Unfortunately, DirecTV Genre Packs, which offer genre-focused skinny bundles at lower prices, are not eligible for DirecTV's five-day free trial.

Note: DirecTV prices do not include taxes and fees

Use an antenna to watch ABC for free

If you want to stream ABC for free, there is a third option: Use one of our best antennas.

OK, there are a few caveats with this option, but it's still worth highlighting. First, you'll have to shell out some money for the antenna, but once you have it, you can stream ABC for free over the air. Second, you have to have an ABC affiliate within the range of your antenna for this to work, but for most people, that won't be an issue. Third, unfortunately, you can't watch ESPN this way, as ESPN is an over-the-top linear network, meaning it's not broadcast over the air like ABC.

Regardless of these caveats, most weeks, Monday Night Football is shown on both ABC and ESPN. That means that if you want to watch tonight's Eagles vs. Packers game for free, this method will work. Even better, antennas tend to avoid lag; some of the best live TV streaming services will have you as much as a minute behind the game.

Our pick for the best TV antenna overall is the Mohu Gateway Plus. This antenna has a range of 60 miles and gets excellent reception for 1080p HD broadcasts. It's also easy to install and has a 10-foot cable, so you shouldn't run into problems using it to watch ABC for free.

If you're trying to watch ABC for free, there's no better way than opting for a TV antenna. With the Mohu Gateway Plus, you can watch free channels over the air within a 60-mile range in crisp 1080p HD to experience ABC with the least lag possible. Price check: $79.99 @ AmazonView Deal

Another option is the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified. This antenna used to be our top pick until it was surpassed by the Gateway Plus. It too has a range of 60 miles and gets excellent reception for 1080p HD broadcasts. Right now, you can get the Mohu Leaf 50 Amplified at Amazon for just $49.99, which is $10 off the list price.

YouTube’s AI-powered age verification is back — here’s what that means for you

josh.render@futurenet.com (Josh Render) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:59:56 +0000

AI-age verification is undoubtedly annoying, especially when it decides we're lying about our age. Unfortunately, YouTube's version is back and is once again causing issues.

YouTube first announced that it would be introducing an AI-backed verification system in July. However, we started to see users complain about the feature in September. It looks like some of the issues with the AI falsely restricting certain channels are still a factor.

(Image credit: left image: user bobbahuey, right image: user trexiball)

We have seen several Reddit posts complaining about their accounts being restricted recently. One user, TREXIBALL, complained that the AI had flagged their account as soon as they turned 18. Another user, bobbahuey, noted that they had been using their account for 10+ years, but had only recently been asked to verify they were an adult.

On one hand, there's an argument that it's easy to solve the problem by simply verifying your age. However, considering YouTube's recent history, users may be cautious about supplying personal information. You can use the selfie feature, but that doesn't always work for everyone.

What does being age-restricted mean?

(Image credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images)

If your account is restricted, then the most noticeable issue is that you’ll be blocked from viewing age-restricted content. On top of that, any advertisements you see will be non-personalized.

While YouTube’s ads are certainly a pain, it’s seemingly worse when they have nothing to do with you. Not only that, YouTube will also minimize any recommendations with content that could be problematic if viewed multiple times.

On top of that, YouTube will activate its digital well-being tools by default, including reminders to take a break, as well as bedtime reminders. YouTube will also show reminders about privacy when users try to upload any new content.

The content that you do upload will also be set to private by default, and the ability to earn from gifts on vertical live streams will be heavily restricted.

Let us know if you’ve found that your account has been age-restricted and what you have done to solve the problem.

YouTube is not down, it's cracking down on ad blocker users — 3 ways to fix it

Jason England — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:24:12 +0000

Today (November 7), a huge number of users are reporting that YouTube is down, but what’s actually happened is another step has been taken in the anti-ad block war.

If you are using ad blockers that you can get from the Chrome extension store (think Adblock Plus), the home page will not load and even if it does, videos will either not buffer or take a long time to start playing.

This is similar to what happened before, but even worse now is the reports that even uBlock Origin is not breaking through either. But there are three workarounds. To start with, though, let’s ask one key question.

How does YouTube detect an ad blocker?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

YouTube has always been vague in telling users how it identifies ad blockers. That being said, though, we can take notes from what’s happened on both YouTube in the past and other websites, and make some logical assumptions.

Ad requests go missing

YouTube knows exactly which ad scripts to load when the page opens. Ad blockers prevent your browser from ever asking for those scripts (URLs). That immediate absence of the expected request is a dead giveaway that the blocker is at work, detectable almost instantly.

Your ad blocker gets baited

YouTube might also sneak in invisible "bait" ads using common ad names like .ad-container during loading. If that tiny, fake ad code immediately disappears (because your blocker stopped it), the site instantly confirms you're running an ad blocker. This trick lets them test the waters before even trying to show you a real advertisement.

Testing what extensions you have

Websites can't just read your list of installed extensions, but they can try a sneaky trick. Since every Chrome extension has a public ID, the site can attempt to quickly fetch that specific ID. If the request succeeds, it's a sure sign you have that extension (like ABP) installed.

Here's how to fix it

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

First thing’s first, get away from Ad Block Plus! A lot of the ad blockers you see on the Chrome extension store do offer for sites to be whitelisted for a fee, which YouTube does pay for its general advertising network.

Done that? Good! Now let’s break the three workarounds:

Get YouTube Premium: YouTube is making an aggressive case for you to upgrade to Premium for $13.99, but in all fairness, it’s money well spent. I’ve been using it for the past year, and it’s great for music and watching hours of videos offline while flying.
uBlock Origin Lite seems to work: This one is actually available on Chrome extension store, and doesn’t require you to fiddle with the settings every browser update to make the original Origin work.
Switch browser: The cat and mouse game between uBlock Origin and YouTube can get tiresome — namely having to go back into experimental settings and tweak a few settings to make it work again. Instead, grab any other Chromium browser like ChatGPT Atlas, or even non-Chromium browsers that offer extension compatibility like Firefox or Opera Air, and you’ll be able to block again.

If you run into any issues with my workarounds, please fire up in the comments!

ESPN star pleads with Google and Disney to figure out YouTube TV issues to save sports

scott.younker@futurenet.com (Scott Younker) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 23:55:45 +0000

As Disney and Google continue to negotiate fees, sports fans who signed up for YouTube TV are out of luck as games and events on ABC and ESPN continue to be unavailable.

YouTube pulled more than 20 Disney-owned channels including ESPN and ABC right before Halloween after Google and Disney couldn't come to an agreement. At the time, YouTube TV claimed that it ""will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products."

For sports fans, that meant missing out on a slate of college football games over the weekend, including marquee matchups in the SEC, across ABC and ESPN. As the standoff continued, it also meant the ESPN Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys was not available — perhaps no great loss if you like competitive games; the 2-5 and Cardinals beat the 3-4-1 Cowboys by a score of 27-17.

On Tuesday (November 4), ESPN personality Pat McAfee used his platform to lambast his own network and its owners.

“We’re all done with it,” McAfee said on his show before complaining about channels begging viewers to go to websites to "save the channel." You may have noticed similar messages before Google struck a deal with NBC at the end of September.

"And also, if you’re on TV, stop telling people to go to a website to save a multi-billion-dollar deal," McAfee added. "Nobody cares what you have to say. There will be nothing that we have to say or any website that will be visited. There are, I don’t want to say the exact names, but these people (hands up high), let’s put our swords down. Let’s put our swords down for the good of sports."

Let’s put our swords down for the good of sports."
— Pat McAfee

Meanwhile, Disney and YouTube TV have had dueling proposals to allow ABC back on the streamer. Disney asked YTTV to briefly bring back ABC for this week's election coverage, which Google rejected.

On Wednesday, Google proposed letting ABC and ESPN return while the companies negotiate: "We propose immediately restoring the Disney channels that our customers watch: ABC and the ESPN networks, while we continue to negotiate. Those are the channels that people want."

As far as we can tell, Disney has not publicly responded to this tactic. Neither company wants to cave — Disney wants more money for its channels, and of course, Google wants to pay less.

'All you're doing is pissing everybody off'

McAfee called on Disney and Google to sign a deal.

“We need each other. A lot of people saying ‘greedy corporations,’ it’s like, yeah. We need each other, especially with where sports are right now," McAfee said. "And we’re in the middle of it, so let’s get it done. And stop asking me to go to a website. I don’t want to do that, so stop … all you’re doing is pissing everybody off even more. So it’s like, let’s just not do that."

If the two giants can't reach a deal, YouTube TV is offering a discount to customers if the outage lasts "an extended period of time."

How to watch ESPN sports in the meantime

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While YTTV is among the best streaming services and with ESPN the best live streaming service, there are alternatives, especially if you want to watch ESPN and ABC.

Sling TV is the cheapest way to stream ESPN with its Day Pass, which will cost you $4.99 for 24 hours of access to Sling Orange. However, it is limited and doesn't include channels like the SEC and ACC networks or ABC.

There are three streaming alternatives, which include the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle, Hulu with Live TV, and DirecTV genre packs. They each have their own drawbacks, which we've broken down here.

NFL fans who paid for Sunday Ticket may be in for prolonged frustration if this doesn't resolve soon. YouTube TV has reportedly been pointing people to its customer service to restore access.

Google and YouTube must pay $30 million for collecting kids' data — here's how to check if your child qualifies

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:27:16 +0000

Google and YouTube have agreed to pay $30 million to settle allegations they illegally collected personal data from children under 13 years old. The settlement resolves claims that the companies violated privacy laws by gathering information from minors who watched cartoons, nursery rhymes, and other child-directed content on YouTube between July 2013 and April 2020.

While Youtube hasn't actually admitted any wrong doing, if your child watched YouTube during this period and was under 13 at the time, they may be eligible for a payment. However, it's critically important to understand the exact qualification requirements before submitting a claim, as filing falsely constitutes perjury.

1. Verify your child's eligibility before filing

The settlement has very specific eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify for compensation.

Only individuals who were under 13 years old between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020, AND who watched content specifically directed at children on YouTube during that timeframe qualify for this settlement.

This would include channels featuring cartoons, nursery rhymes, children's songs, educational content for young children, or toy reviews.

It's crucial to understand that not all YouTube viewing by children qualifies. The content must have been directed specifically at children, not general content that happened to be watched by someone under 13.

Consider carefully whether your child meets these exact criteria before proceeding.

2. Submit a valid claim by the deadline

If you've confirmed your child qualifies, you can submit a claim through the official settlement website.

Visit the settlement website and complete the claim form truthfully and accurately. As this relates to persons under the age of 18, the claim will have to be filled out on the child's behalf.

Remember that all claims are submitted under penalty of perjury, which means providing false information could have legal consequences. The settlement administrators may also verify claims to ensure their legitimacy.

3. Understand what compensation to expect

The settlement amount per person will vary depending on how many valid claims are submitted.

No specific payment estimates are available yet, as the final amount will depend on the total number of legitimate claims filed. The $30 million fund will be divided among all valid claimants after administrative costs and legal fees are deducted.

Given the potential size of the class (millions of children used YouTube during this period), individual payments could be relatively modest. However, if fewer people file claims than expected, the amount per claimant could increase.

4. Important dates to remember

The settlement process has several key deadlines you should mark on your calendar. The deadline to exclude yourself from or object to the settlement is December 8, 2025.

The final approval hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, and as mentioned earlier, all claims must be submitted by January 21, 2026. If you choose to do nothing by these deadlines, you will not receive compensation.

While this settlement offers an opportunity for affected families to receive compensation, the integrity of the process depends on honest participation. Filing a claim when your child doesn't qualify is not only legally problematic but also reduces the compensation for those truly affected by the alleged privacy violations.

Take the time to carefully evaluate your eligibility before proceeding with a claim.

This is the cheapest way to watch ESPN while it's gone from YouTube TV

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:19:54 +0000

If you're like me and have YouTube TV, you're probably creating entire spreadsheets and pricing matrices about how to watch ESPN now that it's disappeared from the live TV streaming service. You could choose to ditch YouTube TV for other streaming services. You could consider the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle and get a few of the best streaming services thrown in with an ESPN subscription.

Or you could stick with YouTube TV and just wait it out. Right now, there are some customers who are being offered a $10 YouTube TV discount to encourage them to stick with the live streaming service. That's on top of a potential $20 a month credit YouTube TV has promised subscribers if Disney-owned channels stay off YouTube TV for an extended period.

Well, I'm here to add a new wrinkle: You could subscribe to ESPN for just a day at a time while it's gone from YouTube TV. That's because, back in August, Sling introduced the Sling TV Day Pass. This subscription allows you to sign up for one of Sling's Orange plan for just $4.99 for 24 hours of access.

Want the cheapest way to stream ESPN? Then you want a Sling Day Pass. For $4.99, you get 24 hours of access to Sling Orange, which includes ESPN (select 4K streams), ESPN 2, ESPN 3 and more.View Deal

So, if you're looking for the cheapest way to watch ESPN right now while it's gone from YouTube TV, it's not Hulu with Live TV, or the Disney, Hulu, ESPN bundle. It's getting a Sling Day Pass for the Orange plan, which gives you ESPN (with select broadcasts in 4K), ESPN2 and ESPN3, along with dozens of other channels.

The Sling Day Pass isn't perfect, but it is affordable

Now, just because the Sling Day Pass is the cheapest way to watch ESPN, it doesn't mean it's the best for you. There are a few things to consider:

How much ESPN do you watch? If you just want to watch a game, the Day Pass is great. Think of it as a $5 ticket for the game. If you want the entire weekend, there's a Weekend Pass that gives you Friday through Sunday access for $9.99. But if you're planning to watch more than a few times a month, then this plan isn't economical for you.
Do you only need ESPN? If you're a YouTube TV subscriber, the Sling Day Pass can be a great solution because you get ESPN, which you're currently missing. But if you also need other missing channels like SEC Network, ACC Network or ABC, then this won't be the right solution for you.
Do you need more than one simultaneous stream? The great thing about the Sling Day Pass is that you get the benefits of Sling for that day. But you also get the shortcomings of a given Sling plan, and in the case of the Sling Orange plan, that means you only get one simultaneous stream across your devices. So if you're hoping to watch in multiple rooms on game day, you'll need to consider an alternative solution, such as upgrading to Sling Orange and Blue, signing up for the ESPN streaming service or trying out a different cable alternative altogether.

To recap, if you just want to watch a game on your big screen one night, $4.99 will get you your ESPN fix until it (hopefully) comes back to YouTube TV. But if you need more than just ESPN, multiple streams, or are watching ESPN daily, then there are other solutions discussed in this article that are better for you.

Disney just asked YouTube TV to bring back ABC — but there's a major catch

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:09:09 +0000

As of Oct. 31, YouTube TV lost Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC. Since then, we've covered everything from alternative streaming services for ESPN, to whether or not you should get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle. We even highlighted a $10 YouTube TV discount that the live TV streaming service has quietly been offering some loyal customers.

But now, the YouTube TV vs. Disney battle has taken an unexpected twist. Deadline is reporting that a Disney spokesperson is officially requesting that YouTube TV bring back ABC. Specifically, Disney wants ABC back on YouTube TV for Election Day in the U.S. (tomorrow, Nov. 4).

“Despite the impasse that led to the current blackout," the statement provided from Disney reads, "we have asked YouTube TV to restore ABC for Election Day so subscribers have access to the information they rely on. We believe in putting the public interest first and hope YouTube TV will take this small step for their customers while we continue to work toward a fair agreement.”

Disney is right — ABC is a matter of public interest

Here's the thing with that statement: Disney is right. ABC is a broadcast over-the-air network, and like its fellow broadcast news networks (Fox, CBS, NBC), its ability to be freely available to the general public and provide unbiased news coverage is a matter of public interest.

This is no longer an alien concept to most Americans at this point, either. "Public interest" is a doctrine that was bandied about by the FCC and its chairperson, Brendan Carr, both when discussing the rationale for holding up Skydance's acquisition of Paramount and when threatening to take broadcast licenses from Disney following Jimmy Kimmel's temporary suspension.

Now, it's important to note that Disney's altruistic streak has a potential expiration date. While Disney is reportedly requesting YouTube TV restore ABC access during Election Day, details beyond that are currently nonexistent. Will the access be just for the 24 hours of Election Day? Just during news broadcasts? Will you lose access at midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 5?

At this point, the answers to those questions are as unknown as the answer to the biggest question on every YouTube TV subscriber's mind: When will I get my channels back?

YouTube TV is offering $60 off credits for some users — here's how to claim yours now

kaycee.hill@futurenet.com (Kaycee Hill) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:37:25 +0000

Some YouTube TV subscribers are discovering a surprise $10 monthly discount in their account settings, totaling $60 in savings over six months. However, contrary to early speculation, this discount is not related to the recent removal of Disney channels from the platform.

According to YouTube TV spokesperson Jess Gibby, these credits are specifically "for subscribers who previously canceled or paused their subscriptions" and is unrelated to the ongoing Disney dispute.

What happened with Disney and YouTube TV?

On October 30, YouTube TV removed more than 20 Disney-owned channels after negotiations between the companies broke down.

The removed channels include major networks like ABC stations, various ESPN channels, and National Geographic programming. This sudden change has left many subscribers without access to popular sports and entertainment content they were paying for.

When the channels first disappeared, YouTube TV promised affected users would receive a $20 one-time credit if the Disney networks remained unavailable for an extended period of time. According to Gibby, YouTube TV will alert subscribers when this becomes available.

How to check your account

1. Log in to Youtube TV

The discount isn't being automatically applied or announced to all subscribers, according to user reports on Reddit.

To check if you've received the credit, log into your YouTube TV account through a web browser and go to Settings.

2. Manage Plan

Next, click Membership and then Manage. If you're eligible for the discount, you should see the $10 monthly credit applied to your bill.

3. Redeem your offer

Click agree if you want to redeem your offer. It will lower the price of the base plan for $10 a month for 6 months.

Why only some subscribers are seeing this offer

This targeted discount may be part of YouTube TV's strategy to win back subscribers who have considered leaving the service.

The $60 credit is specifically designed as a retention offer for those who have previously paused or canceled their subscriptions. If you've been a continuous YouTube TV subscriber without any breaks in service, you likely won't see this offer in your account.

This type of targeted discount is common practice among streaming services looking to reduce subscriber churn. By offering temporary price reductions to customers who have shown a willingness to leave, YouTube TV hopes to extend their commitment to the platform.

YouTube TV and Disney fallout — should you get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle?

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:38:27 +0000

If you have YouTube TV, you're waking up this morning to find all the Disney-owned networks missing from your channel guide, including ESPN and ABC. That's because, as of 12 a.m. ET this morning (Oct. 31), Disney's distribution deal with YouTube TV expired, and until these two companies strike a new deal, the popular live TV streaming service will be without Disney-owned channels.

So if you're like me, and you're now missing ESPN, ABC, The Disney Channel and over 20 Disney-owned channels no longer on YouTube TV, you might be scrambling to figure out what to do next. One solution you might be considering — especially since YouTube TV recommended it to customers in an email sent out this morning — is signing up for ESPN's streaming service, known as ESPN Unlimited. You also might be considering the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle, which ESPN is offering right now for $29.99 —the same price as ESPN Unlimited.

But is the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle actually the right solution for you? Let's dive into why you should — or shouldn't — sign up for this Disney streaming services bundle.

Why you should get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle

If you're someone who is missing all the ESPN sports networks that just vanished from YouTube TV, then the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle is a great solution. With this bundle, you get every ESPN linear TV network: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN3, SEC Network Plus and ACC Network Extra. Plus, you get Disney Plus and Hulu, which, between the two streaming services, have nearly all the Disney shows and movies in existence.

So if your main concern is trying to replace ESPN, and you're not worried about replacing ABC or The Disney Channel, then this bundle is a great choice. Right now, ESPN is running a promotion where, for 12 months, you can get Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited all for just $29.99, which is the list price for just ESPN Unlimited. That means you're getting Disney Plus and Hulu for free. Once your 12 months are up, the bundle price reverts to $35.99 a month.

Sign up for ESPN Unlimited and get every ESPN linear TV network all on an enhanced ESPN app for just $29.99 a month. LIMITED TIME OFFER: Get ESPN Unlimited and Disney Plus, Hulu Bundle Basic bundle for $29.99 a month for 12 months — that's Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) free for 12 months.View Deal

Why you shouldn't get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle

If you are someone who watches all the non-ESPN channels owned by Disney, particularly ABC and The Disney Channel, then the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle might not be the best solution for you. While this bundle offers nearly everything Disney, it doesn't offer a live stream of your local ABC channel. And while shows and movies that debut on many Disney-owned networks can make their way to Disney Plus or Hulu as quickly as the same day they air on linear networks, shows that air on The Disney Channel often won't make their way to Disney Plus until after the season has aired in full on The Disney Channel.

So if you're someone who needs these specific channels, you might want to consider Hulu with Live TV rather than the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle. This live TV streaming service is very similar to YouTube TV — similar features, channels, etc. — and, since it's owned by Disney, it's not losing Disney-owned networks, ever. Plus, you get the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle included in your subscription for free.

Plus, right now, you can get Hulu with Live TV for just $64.99 a month for your first three months. That's $18 a month less than the $82.99 list price for YouTube TV, and still $8 cheaper than YouTube TV's current introductory offer, which is $10 off a month for your first three months of YouTube TV. Once your three-month promotional period expires, the price for Hulu with Live TV reverts to $89.99 a month.

Score $25 a month off your first three months of Hulu with Live TV, and cut the cord for just $64.99. With this live TV streaming service, you get tons of popular channels, unlimited DVR and more. Plus, you get Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads) and ESPN Unlimited included in your subscriptions. Offer expires Nov. 5, 2025!View Deal

YouTube TV has lost Disney and ESPN — here's 3 live TV streaming services to consider instead

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:33:57 +0000

Over 10 million YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to all Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC. At midnight on Oct. 30, the distribution deal between Disney, which owns ESPN, ABC and numerous other networks, ended, and at present, there's no deal in place to keep the networks on the nation's most popular live TV streaming service.

There's reportedly been some movement on a new deal, but nothing super promising. According to Jacob Feldman at Sportico, YouTube TV and Disney are discussing launching a “skinny bundle” of select channels at a lower price point designed specifically for sports fans. Fubo and DirecTV already offer similar products, and I will be surprised if YouTube TV doesn't ultimately leave these negotiations with a sports-only plan available to consumers.

Prior to election day this week, Disney proposed letting ABC back on YouTube for election coverage, but YouTube declined. Instead, YouTube proposed bringing back ESPN and ABC while negotiations continue. But as of now there's been no sign of meaningful progress.

Pointing fingers

Both sides are pointing fingers, obviously. Speaking to Deadline on Friday, a YouTube executive involved in the negotiations said Disney has a "very antiquated view that the customer should be forced to pay for the full portfolio," which is why the talks stalled.

Disney is demanding steep carriage fees for its broad portfolio of channels, including those with "flat-ish" viewing in recent years, and the company has been "unnecessarily aggressive and assertive” in negotiations, according to the YouTube Executive. In a statement to USA TODAY, Disney said it remains "committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”

But you might be ready to jump ship now, even though YouTube TV has said it will give customers a $20 credit if the cable replacement loses Disney-owned networks. Lucky for you, I've got you covered. Here are the three streaming services I'd recommend to ensure you get your Disney fix if YouTube TV loses Disney-owned networks, including ESPN and ABC.

Your weekend binge list: 9 new shows and movies to stream on Netflix, Prime Video and more (Oct. 31-Nov. 2)

3 live TV streaming services still offering Disney

Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle

Let's say you've decided you just want everything Disney. You're done with all the other stuff live TV streaming services have to offer; you just want as much Disney content as possible for the lowest price.

Well, then the Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited bundle might be the right option for you. This bundle gives you Disney Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads) and every ESPN linear TV network. That means you get: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Plus, ESPN3, SEC Network Plus and ACC Network Extra, plus everything the other two streaming services have to offer, all for one low price.

Right now, ESPN is running a promotion where for 12 months, you can get Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited all for just $29.99, which is the list price for just ESPN Unlimited. That means you're getting Disney Plus and Hulu for free. Once your 12 months are up, the bundle price reverts to $35.99 a month.

Hulu with Live TV

If you like YouTube TV and want as similar a user experience as possible, you'll want Hulu with Live TV. This live TV streaming service is very similar to YouTube TV — similar features, channels, etc. — and, since it's owned by Disney, it's not losing Disney-owned networks, ever.

But, you're not just getting a live TV service with Hulu with Live TV. Hulu's cable replacement also includes ESPN Unlimited, Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads), all included in your subscription. So once your promotion expires, you're still getting good value for your money.

DirecTV Genre Packs

Maybe you've decided you just want sports. You want ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network, etc. Or, maybe you don't want any sports, but you want Disney Plus, Hulu and tons of entertainment channels. Then DirecTV might have the right solution for you: Genre Packs. These are "skinny" bundles that only offer channels and streaming services for a specific genre, like entertainment, sports, news, etc.

For those who just want sports, you'll want the MySports Genre Pack. This includes ESPN Unlimited and over 20 channels, including local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates (varies by market) as well as FS1, NBA TV, NFL Network, TBS, TNT and more. Right now, you can get MySports for $59.99 a month for your first two months (normally $69.99 a month), or you can get MySports and MySports Extra for the same price (normally $82.99 a month) and get NFL RedZone added to your MySports plan.

If you're just looking for entertainment, you'll want the MyEntertainment Genre Pack. This includes HBO Max Basic with Ads, Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads), as well as over 50 channels, including AMC, Bravo, FX, MTV and more. Right now, you can get MyEntertainment for $29.99 a month for your first two months.

Ironically, MyEntertainment doesn't include the Disney Channel, Disney Jr. or Disney XD; you'll want the MyKids Genre Pack ($19.99+tax a month) for that. But with Disney Plus, most content from those channels will eventually be available to you via Disney's streaming service.

Starting at $19.99 a month. Want just a selection of channels? DirecTV Genre Packs are worth considering. MySports gives you ESPN Unlimited and over 20 sports and local channels for $59.99 a month. MyEntertainment gives you HBO Max Basic with Ads, Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) as well as 50+ channels for $29.99 a month. MyKids gives you Disney Plus (with ads) and over 10 channels, including the Disney Channel, for $19.99 a month (plus tax).View Deal

Note: DirecTV prices do not include taxes and fees

YouTube TV could lose Disney and ESPN soon — here's what you need to know

malcolm.mcmillan@futurenet.com (Malcolm McMillan) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:03:43 +0000

Editor's Note: As of Oct. 31, 2025, YouTube TV has lost Disney and ESPN. Both sides have said they are still working toward a solution, but remain far apart.

The deadline is almost here. It's that time again, fellow YouTube TV subscribers. Disney has gone to war with YouTube TV, and it could ultimately end with the live TV streaming service losing out on Disney, ESPN, ABC and more popular channels that are a must for most consumers.

Here's the rundown: On Oct. 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET the distribution deal between Disney, which owns ESPN, ABC and numerous other networks, will end. At that point, YouTube TV will no longer air any Disney-owned networks until a new deal is struck.

YouTube TV and Disney: What's going on?

Disney, for its part, is accusing YouTube TV of being the reason behind the lack of a new deal. “This is the latest example of Google exploiting its position at the expense of their own customers,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. “If we don’t reach a fair deal soon, YouTube TV customers will lose access to ESPN and ABC, and all our marquee programming — including the NFL, college football, NBA and NHL seasons — and so much more.”

Unsurprisingly, YouTube TV says it's Disney, not the Google-owned cable alternative, that's to blame for the current situation. "We've been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content on YouTube TV," YouTube said on its official blog. "Unfortunately, Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices, while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products - like Hulu + Live TV and, soon, Fubo. Without an agreement, we'll have to remove Disney’s content from YouTube TV and if it remains unavailable for an extended period of time, we will offer subscribers a $20 credit."

It might be time to jump ship for Hulu with Live TV

Here's the thing: I don't care which company is at fault. I want the best channel selection for the most affordable price. And while YouTube's $20 credit is a fair offer, it won't do me any good if I still have to pay elsewhere to get the Disney-owned channels that I want to watch. So I'm strongly considering switching to Hulu with Live TV.

I'm fully aware that this is exactly what Disney is hoping for, or at least, certainly won't upset the House of Mouse. But ultimately, there are three reasons why I'm about ready to make the switch, and only one of them has to do with this most recent carriage dispute.

The biggest reason I'm tempted to make the switch is that right now, you can get Hulu with Live TV for just $64.99 a month for your first three months. That's $18 a month less than the $82.99 list price for YouTube TV, and still $8 cheaper than YouTube TV's current introductory offer, which is $10 off a month for your first three months of YouTube TV.

Plus, Hulu includes ESPN Unlimited, Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads). So not only would I pay less for my live TV service by making the switch, I'd save money on some of the best streaming services too.

Now, it's important to note that Hulu with Live TV isn't perfect. I've tested all the best live TV streaming services, and while I liked Hulu a lot, it missed out on some popular channels and didn't have the best app for streaming live TV. I preferred YouTube TV, which is why it's currently our pick for the best cable TV alternative. And once the three-month promotional period ends, Hulu with Live TV costs $89.99, which is more than the $82.99 you need to shell out for YouTube TV.

Still, saving $18 a month isn't insignificant, and I'd never have to worry about ESPN going away. I haven't made a final decision yet, but at this point, I'm strongly considering leaving YouTube TV for Hulu with Live TV before the latter's current promotion ends on Nov. 5, 2025.

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