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YouTube

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789 User Reviews

6.4

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Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: April 8th, 2022
Owned by Google, YouTube is one of the largest video streaming platforms available online. With millions of views racking up every day, YouTube's platform has a little bit of everything for all interests and genres. Ranging from short viral videos and local channels to clips of a series you've been struggling to find, YouTube has access to channels all over the world through its streaming tv services. Stream any show, movie, or video you want and enjoy live tv. YouTube even has youtube music to enjoy and stream all sorts of music from your mobile device.
 
Anyone can create a video and upload it to YouTube today and could be seen by millions of viewers tomorrow using the video streaming services for all sorts of original content. Subscribers can even buy or rent some of the newest movies and TV shows for live tv streaming. Use multiple devices to watch your favorite subscription, premium channels, and cable channels. All you need is an account, device, wi-fi network, and you can watch tv, channels, and subscription from anywhere! With mulitple streaming tv services to choose from, you can easily find all of the top subscription you love using YouTube. You can also search for all sorts of original content to satisfy whatever watching situation you are in.

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The Good

  • Unique content
  • Device compatibility
  • Affordable pricing

Millions of YouTube Videos

Users can watch literally millions of easy "how-to" videos, music videos, commercials, and so much more for educational or entertainment purposes. With the freedom to post and view, find all of your live streaming needs with a simple search. You can even pay for movies like star trek or a handmaid's tale on YouTube to continue to watch all of your favorite movies and tv networks.
 

Compatible on All Devices

Because YouTube is a website, it can be accessed on any device. YouTube's streaming services are compatible with all devices, whether you are on Android or Apple. With great customer service, you can also easily type in questions and get an immediate response back regarding all of your subscription and streaming tv services needs.

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Ad Free Viewing

Due to movies having to be purchased or rented, users are able to watch rented or purchased movies and TV episodes on YouTube ad free. This makes your experience more enjoyable not just on mobile devices, but also on channels, cable, and on-demand service.

Competitive Pricing

YouTube offers rentals starting at $1.99 per TV episode, which is competitive for the streaming TV industry. Looking at top competitors prices like cable tv, netflix, vudu, prime video, pluto tv, and other streaming services, you can find all sorts of great deals and find all of the shows, movies, and video you love and enjoy.
 
Overall, YouTube is extremely well known for their viral videos and commercials, but now YouTube provides even more value by allowing users to rent or purchase movies and TV shows. Users are able to watch rentals or purchased media on any device, as YouTube is accessible from all devices. In addition, users can watch for an affordable price per rental/purchase and watch ad free.
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The Bad

  • Rental limitations
  • HD not available on web browsers
  • No parental controls

72 Hours to Finish Watching

Users have 30 days to watch and 72 hours to finish watching rented movies once they have started. This may be a disadvantage to users who are trying to watch a movie that is quite long. You also dont own the movies or video you rent which can be a bummer if you want to watch it again and again.

HD Version Not Available on Web Browsers

HD versions of movies and TV shows cannot be viewed within a web browser on YouTube. However, most streaming devices allow for HD viewing, such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, etc. Be sure to check compatibility on your mobile devices to ensure the most optimal viewing standards so you can enjoy your live tv streaming and video streaming.

No Parental Controls 

Currently, YouTube does not have parental controls for their movie streaming services. YouTube has many great features to their services, but it is good to note the few drawbacks we found. The main drawback to YouTube's streaming TV services is that HD isn't available through web browsers, only through streaming devices such as the Chromecast or Roku. Also, parents don't have filtering control if they are going to watch a movie with their children. This is an important family feature that is not available on YouTube. You can install an app that helps to enable stricter viewing standards to keep your family safe, but be aware of what premium channels, live streaming, and cable channels can present on live tv streaming. View Top Rated Companies
 
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The Bottom Line

YouTube is another great source to supplement streaming TV and movie needs. Users will find a variety of different rental and purchase prices depending on the release date and popularity of the movie or TV show. And don't expect to find favorite movies, or TV series, in the free content. Users will most likely have to pay for full movies or TV shows they are looking for on YouTube. However, if you're looking for free and interesting content, YouTube has got you covered. With millions of new videos uploaded by users every day, you're bound to find something completely unique. Don't expect many videos longer than ten minutes, but have fun following viral videos and trending content on the most widely used video streaming service today. Overall, we recommend reviewing the top rated companies before making a final decision.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

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4.4

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789 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

58%

4 grade

27%

3 grade

11%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

1%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Peter

No issues. The programming is what my family and I watch. The extra movies they allow you to watch later are great. If I wanted to record missed episodes feature is great and being able to do it from my cell phone is great. Only issue is the cost.

6 years ago

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Teri Kohl

For the most part positive. It is the only streaming site that works well with my poor internet service. There is a very good varity of programs. And it appears that there is not too much censorship.

6 years ago

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Christopher Haueter Salt Lake City, UT

Youtube is the epitome of why the internet is both great and terrible at the same time. I love youtube for entertainment whether it's funny videos or redbull action sports videos. I also love that I can learn just about anything on youtube. I've taught myself how to repair my mountain bikes, maintain them and ride them better. I've also learn how to fix my cars, and even learned some woodworking skills, math skills, chemistry skills, etc. Unfortunately, youtube has a ton of porn and there is basically no way to filter it. If it's owned by google, you would think that they would have done something about that by now. There are also a lot of ads unfortunately.

9 years ago

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Keerthana Manivannan Santa Clara, CA

Great service! SO many good content out there in YouTube. Literally, I YouTube every single thing. Flat tire? There's a YouTube video to teach how to change tires. Want to cook Biriyani? There's a YouTube video for that. Preparing for Interviews? YouTube video. Honestly, I won't know what I would do without YouTube. And there is no other famous alternative for YouTube. I do pay for YouTube premium for less noise.

4 years ago

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Mario Martin Montgomery, TX

I've used my "YouTube" app often for just about any and everything. In fact, it's kinda my go-to app for great content videos. Recently, I experienced some problems with my cable tv provider and signed up for YouTube Tv and was pleasantly surprised by the entertainment value provided. What really "blew me away" was the movie selection and the quality. I think I've found my new tv viewing choice!

4 years ago

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L Hill Chicago, IL

Amazing content YouTube has, storing your favorite videos is easy. I like how it's open to anyone to try to have a channel if they want. It is unique fun platform of creative expression. The ads on the free version are very annoying and intrusive. The ads are squeezed in any and every possible way like if you pause a video for too long then you want to re start where you left off an all of a sudden you are stuck watching an ad. That is one of the things that is a huge turn off.

4 years ago

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Julia Halliday Pleasant Grove, UT

I use YouTube daily. I usually listen to music on it, and I love how easy it is to find what you want! I will admit the ads drive me crazy sometimes, especially since they bumped it up to two ads instead of just one, and sometimes you can't skip the ads. All-in-all I love the variety of content on YouTube! If the ads could be cut down, my review would definitely be 5 stars!

7 years ago

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Ethan Pitcher Eagle Mountain, UT

I use Youtube crybaby frequently. I tend to use it more than Netflix. It is in a different category of media service than Netflix, but I feel it is just as good at its job as Netflix. It is a place where I can go and relax and just find fun things to watch. Plus it is free. Only thing you need to pay for is offline use and exclusive content. There is a problem with the site in the sense that copyright striking is being abused by many companies. YouTube creators sometimes get strikes on their channel because being of this abuse or lose money they make on the video or even have to take it down all together. The copyright system tends to be really broken and it is hurting many creators who aren’t even breaking copyright laws.

7 years ago

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Measton Gilbert, AZ

I really do enjoy using Youtube, I frequently both watch and upload videos and appreciate the easy and free website I can use to present my art. It has become such a prominent app that I cannot go a day in my high school life without hearing it referenced. Despite these wonderful positives this application has to offer I find myself aggravated about the ads and the demonetizing feature. The ads are often times set up to play constantly throughout videos which bring in revenue to inappropriate content while the videos most often demonetized are not exactly for a reason other than few swear words or unpopular content. Aside from these downsides I will continue to love and use this Media.

7 years ago

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HO1 Charles Town, WV

I use other streaming services too, but what I really like about YouTube most is that you can find movies that are not available on any of the other streaming services, and at reasonable costs. They have some really great concerts like the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables in London.

4 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

Youtube has so many options to watch for everyone at no price! I love that you can watch your favorite YouTubers all from the comfort of your home. I love that Youtube gives access to anyone around the world and it allows me to stay connected with what's going on.

4 years ago

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Wilgens Paul Tallahassee, FL

I have watched so much YouTube that I sometimes feel as if I have watched literally all videos known to man. Youtube is full of many creators who can teach you a thing or two and even make you laugh. I think many should check it out

6 years ago

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Jasmine King Long Beach, MS

In my opinion, the one issue I have with Youtube is it's banning/demonetization system. The system is very unfair and puts many creators, big and small, at a disadvantage. Other than that, the design is convenient and easy to use, and the search engine is surprisingly specific.

6 years ago

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Lourdes Rivera

I really enjoying everything about your tube when it comes to movies and to music I know I have the free version I guess but I can see why you need advertisement but in the middle of a movie is annoying but I'm still like them I don't do any other

8 years ago

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Tiffany Phoenix, AZ

Let's be honest, you can learn just about anything on youTube these days. It is a great resource but it is also extremely saturated. It can be hard to find the most effective video to learn from. Which is probably one of my biggest complaints. But it overall I use You Tube very often.

8 years ago

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Sav Flo

Youtube is my go to when I need to find something funny to watch or even understand a concept for physics. I love the tutoring videos that people post, they are so helpful! Super easy to navigate and get the results I'm searching for.

9 years ago

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Kylie Howes Provo, UT

Youtube has all sorts of video content, including original shows that you can only find on their website. Lots of the other properties that you find on youtube are either on a paid basis or are pirated, so you want to make sure that the shows you're watching are legitimate. Overall, it's pretty easy to find what you're looking for, and the streaming quality can be pretty good, depending on who posted the video.

6 years ago

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Jennifer Smith Salt Lake City, UT

I do not use YouTube very often to stream video. I watch YouTube videos, but I have not gotten the hang of doing so from home like I have Amazon Prime. I feel like the prices are typically a bit higher and there is not as good of a selection as other Streaming TV providers. I would recommend working to make sure that it fits your specific needs before you get too involved.

7 years ago

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Marianne Parsons Provo, UT

I have used YouTube extensively for many years, mainly as a casual video viewer. The breadth of YouTube’s videos is quite large. I have been able to find many videos and songs which are quite difficult to find anywhere else. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed an increase in ads - before, after, and in the middle of - videos which has been an irritant.

7 years ago

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DJ Forest Grove, OR

YouTube is a great platform for content creation and consumption. I can learn new skills or about products through the many types of videos available. The company needs to do a better job of limiting misinformation spreading though, and I think it should be held responsible for the consequences of the content it publishes and hosts like any normal media company.

7 years ago

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Anne Sainsbury Payson, UT

I have been a YouTube user for many years. One of the best things that ever happened to YouTube is when they started providing purchasing and rental features for movies. I have used them every once in a while to rent a movie to watch and the streaming has been great! If you are not wanting to pay for a membership to Netflix or Hulu, Youtube is a great platform to use to watch movies every so often.

7 years ago

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Keilah Phillips Lehi, UT

The amount of videos you can watch, the fact that you con post your own, and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade 3D...I love YouTube. I have made my own channel, watched many, and developed favorites. I just don't like how they have inappropriate videos online. I just wish there was a stage you went through when signing in to ask if you want to see that stuff or not. Overall, its great.

7 years ago

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Alora Gilbert, AZ

YouTube is a really great platform to share and watch videos. There is such a variety and most of it is free. I have tried YouTube Red and it is nice to be able to leave the app and still be able to listen to music in the background and being able to watch without ads is nice too. Sometimes it is a little hard to find exactly what you're looking for in the search since there is so much, but then again with advanced search it is easier.

7 years ago

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Dee Farquharson Washington, DC

I use YouTube for video streaming literally everyday. I love the selection of videos from the community. There are paid videos/movies, (usually about 2.99) but they are easily avoidable. The only issue I have are the ads. I understand that ads are present to make money . However, more than once, I have come across ads on YouTube that are over 1 hour long! There also have been ads that are literally pilot episodes for TV shows. Annoying, yes. But still worth watching for wide range of content.

7 years ago

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Angela Nelson Pleasant Grove, UT

We find YouTube super helpful when trying to do home repairs or learning a new skill or craft. I do not like the fact that bad content is often showing on the home page or on the sides of the pages. I usually find the YouTube content I need by typing it into Google so that I can bypass the YouTube home page. I think much more can be done to clean up the explicit content of YouTube while keeping it user-friendly for those of us who want to use it to learn worthwhile things.

7 years ago

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Lesa Burgess Pleasant Grove, UT

I use YouTube all the time. My kids use it a lot! I do wish there were more ways you could filter videos as there are so many vidoes on YouTube I would not want my kids to see. The only way I know is to use YouTube kids but my kids are old enough that they can't search some of the things they want like replays of certain moments in a show or something. I do love that wide range of helpful videos on YouTube and have used it time and time again to help figure something out.

8 years ago

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MRS BJ

Had little or no experience and now that the price is increasing, I will take another look. May be time to switch.

6 years ago

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David

Good product but keeps raising the monthly subscription rate. May have to rethink the value proposition now

6 years ago

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Muneca Loca Brooklyn, NY

YouTube is a place to share yourself with the world and keep updated with the world. I will prefer this over social media drama. I watch my news here listen to music and view stuff I missed on live television.

4 years ago

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Rebecca D

YouTube is amazing. The only problem I have with them is sometimes they’re streaming content has a lot of glitches. Also there are a lot of ads but if you can get past that it really does have a lot of good content.

4 years ago

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G GA

All sorts of things that you want to watch and and things that you don't want to watch it's all there great service covers everything under the sun and the Sun highly recommend you get this service five stars

5 years ago

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kaylie mahar Springdale, AR

I have been watching YouTube for about 6 months now and I have only great experiences with it. I love how they know what type of influencers I like to watch because they usually pop up when I open the app.

5 years ago

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Theodore Niemann Boulder, CO

I love watching YouTube videos. It is a way for me to keep connected in some peoples' lives. There are also lots of tutorials on YouTube that can help you do all kinds of things in your daily life.

6 years ago

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Jass Tallahassee, FL

I love the variety of videos you can watch on here from tutorials to music videos. The best part is that it’s free! The ads might annoy some people but it’s a good sacrifice to make when you don’t have to pay anything.

6 years ago

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Kathryn Andrus

I don't post videos but I watch them a lot! I don't think advertisements are used excessively. All in all I am pleased with YouTube. (I am in no way interested in YouTube red, however.)

9 years ago

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Brandon San Diego, CA

A great platform to discover new music, content creators, and anything else you can think of. The draw to YouTube is all of the creative individuals on it. The only draw back is that YouTube clearly favorites certain channels over others, thus limiting an "unpopular" channel's exposure and monetization opportunity.

6 years ago

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norasugu Kaneohe, HI

Love YouTube and the content on there (for the most part). I love how I can upload as well! Algorithm is kind of weird, though, and the trending page caters to creators who shouldn’t really be trending. Lots of shady stuff going on under earth the surface, though, such as copyright issues.

6 years ago

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Rilynne Edwards Pleasant Grove, UT

Youtube is a great place to discover different creators. There's tutorials, homework help, funny videos and more. I feel like Youtube is very restrictive with their advertising policy, and they demonetize videos without a solid reason. Creators should be paid for what they're creating for millions of people.

6 years ago

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Darcy Chavez Provo, UT

Got rid of cable and finally made the switch to Youtube tv. I have loved it so far. I don't love the recording function because it automatically records every single episode of the show you want to record. Doesn't take up storage, per se. But I do wish it would just record new episodes. Gets to be cluttered. Otherwise, love it!

7 years ago

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Helen Macfarlane Pleasant Grove, UT

Recent updates are harder to manage. Adding two adds in front of videos has been disappointing and the quality has declined. Of course, having access to so much information and entertainment is the best! Just dropping my review to 4 stars because of the updates. Keep working on making the platform more manageable.

7 years ago

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Sherry Walbrecht Provo, UT

Lots of videos for whatever you need! I think the best part of YouTube is that you can find a video about almost anything. Lots of tutorials and lots of things that are just entertaining. Spend a lot of my time watching these videos!

7 years ago

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Rylie Crandall Draper, UT

I appreciate that you can find almost any movie on YouTube and they you can rent it for a fairly. Heap price. Sometimes YouTube takes too long to buffer and the quality isn’t great but I think it matches the price. I would rather use Netflix or iTunes if it’s available, however.

7 years ago

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rcurtis Pleasant Grove, UT

I just love YouTube! Its such a great site, and there is such a good variety of videos. It's super easy to use, and really nice. I love how you can put restrictions on for the kids, so I'm never worrying about what they're up to>.

7 years ago

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Abby Driggs Provo, UT

Love that I can find a tutorial for almost anything. Don't love the ads before videos. Sometimes trashy videos will pop up on the side while you are trying to watch another video. That can be really annoying- especially for curious kids.

7 years ago

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Pasimata West Jordan, UT

I can always count on YouTube. I love that it’s free. The kids setting could be a lot better though. A lot of complaints I’ve heard was that even though it’s set to kids content, videos that are inappropriate still make its way to that area.

7 years ago

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Katie Young Charlottesville, VA

The quality for videos on YouTube has really gone up over the years, but that's thanks to the content creators. I understand and accept ads to pay the creators, but putting them in the middle of videos is getting unbearable. I have no complaints about the interface.

7 years ago

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Sophie American Fork, UT

Youtube provides a platform for many great creators. The creators are all amazing, but YouTube as a company has many problems. It’s algorithm doesn’t work fantastically and they end up hurting their creators more than helping them.

7 years ago

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JAKE American Fork, UT

I have watched You Tube for a very long time. They were the leader in streaming content so its been fun to watch the evolution of their company. Like how there is so much different content available. My kids like it to look up fun things about games that they are playing.

7 years ago

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Brody B Orem, UT

I like YouTube's streaming service but not as much as other providers. It is a good option to have as a secondary streaming service but not more than that. Original content is lacking and it just feels like any old Youtube video. I would recommend looking somewhere else.

7 years ago

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Jason Brown Lehi, UT

The best part of YouTube is their search engine and the ability to watch music videos that otherwise you would have to pay for. I wish that they would completely cleanse their site of the filthy videos that children can easily get access to.

7 years ago

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