The YouTube service launched in 2017 to stream live TV channels in the United States was YouTube TV.
YouTube TV was designed as an internet-based alternative to traditional cable and satellite television. It offered live feeds from major broadcast networks, cable channels, sports networks, and news outlets through a subscription rather than a conventional cable package.
The service launched on April 5, 2017, initially in five major U.S. metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Its early lineup included networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, and MSNBC, though channel availability varied by market.
YouTube TV is separate from the main YouTube video platform, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and YouTube Kids. It also became known for cloud DVR recording, allowing subscribers to save programs without using a physical set-top box.