By: Nick Gambino
Premium streaming services are coming to a YouTube near you. Google is adding PrimetimeChannels that include AMC+, Paramount+, Showtime and Starz. This is a lot like the channels already available on Prime Video, allowing you to stream from a single location.
There are over 30 streaming services to choose from. All you have to do is go to the Movies & TV hub on YouTube and then subscribe (and pay of course) to whichever ones you want. Once you do that, you’ll gain access to those platforms right through YouTube. This is Google’s swing for the fences where they hope to become an all-in-one streaming hub, keeping people on the YouTube app for longer.
It will act as a single hub, showing you available TV shows and movies from the Primetime Channels you’re subscribed to alongside other typical YouTube content. In other words, it’s going to still feel like YouTube, just with more long-form content.
Now, just like Prime Video Channels, if you are already subscribed to a streaming service like Paramount+, you won’t be able to link your account. Your only option is to cancel your subscription to Paramount+ and then subscribe through YouTube.
List of Primetime Channels streaming services:
AMC+
Paramount+
Showtime
Starz
Epix
IFC
Shudder
Acorn TV
Here TV
CuriosityStream
Comedy Dynamics
Up Faith & Family
Hallmark Movies Now
All BLK
Vix+
Docurama
Moviesphere
Dove Channel
ScreenPix
Fandor
Law & Crime
Screambox
Dekkoo
Tastemade+
Outside TV+
Gaia
Atres Player
VSiN
Topic
Magnolia Selects
The Great Courses
Coming soon: NBA League Pass
YouTube has a pretty excellent UI and is a reliably solid service all around. By watching these other streaming services directly through YouTube, viewers benefit from a higher quality experience.
I know from my time using Prime Video Channels having a single hub for multiple streaming services is a must. Watch out for more Primetime Channels being added in the future.
