YouTube TV's multiview channels revealed — here's what you can watch

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YouTube TV's multiview channel option also comes with a catch — for now

Youtube TV app on Apple TV home screen
(Image credit: Future)

Back in March, YouTube TV rolled out its first stab at a multiview mode — the way to see multiple channels at the same time. It was just for March Madness college basketball games though, since so many air at once that it's hard to follow the field. 

Just last week, we learned of a big YouTube TV multiview upgrade, as the service announced plans to expand this feature beyond sports. Now, we have a better idea about what specific channels you'll be able to watch simultaneously.

If multiview sounds like too much, know that you only hear one feed at a time, based on the channel you select. 

YouTube multiview channels

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Multiview setChannels
SportsESPN, ESPN 2, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), NBC Golf Channel
NewsBBC News, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC
Business newsCNBC, Fox Business Network
WeatherFox Weather, The Weather Channel

Analysis: What's missing and what's off

One annoying missed shot on YouTube's implementation — which is found in Fubo's Apple TV 4K multview and Apple TV's multiview for its MLS and MLB games — is the ability to increase the size of one stream, and relegate the other two to a smaller, picture-in-picture style. You simply must watch all at the same size.

That's in keeping with the inability to select channels you want to put in multiview, the other issue to be fixed. Currently, YouTube TV's multiview is controlled on their end, and not yours, save for the ability to select which channel's audio you want to hear.

The other aspect that perplexes is the specific choice of the Golf Channel for the fourth sports network, as it's not exactly on the same level as the ESPN and FOX Sports networks it's alongside. FS2 and NBC Sports Network would make more sense. Hopefully TNT can slot in once NBA season starts again.

That said, YouTube TV isn't presenting this as a finished feature, but something that's being improved upon over time. YouTube TV rolling out multiview helps ensure it keeps its place as one of the best cable TV alternatives.

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Henry T. Casey
Henry T. Casey

Henry was a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.