On what date did YouTube TV launch?

YouTube TV launched on April 5, 2017. The live television streaming service initially became available in five major U.S. markets: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

YouTube TV was designed as an over-the-top, or internet-delivered, alternative to traditional pay television. Its initial lineup combined local broadcast affiliates with cable networks, and the service included cloud-based DVR functionality. The launch reflected the growing “cord-cutting” trend, in which viewers replaced conventional cable or satellite subscriptions with streaming services.

The launch date is sometimes confused with YouTube’s February 2017 announcement of the service. The announcement introduced the product and its pricing, but the service itself went live on April 5. YouTube TV later expanded its geographic coverage and channel lineup, adding networks and optional premium services over time.