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Streaming Just Changed: Our Massive NBCUniversal Deal
YouTube Premium + Peacock: A New All‑In‑One Entertainment Bundle
Think of it like getting a giant toy box that already has your favorite LEGO sets (YouTube) and a brand‑new set of action figures (Peacock) – all for the price of one subscription.
What’s Happening?
YouTube is teaming up with NBCUniversal to bring Peacock Premium (with ads) straight into the YouTube Premium experience for eligible U.S. members.
Soon you’ll be able to watch live sports, blockbuster movies, and hit TV shows without leaving the YouTube app.
What You Get with the New Bundle
| Feature | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|
| Ad‑free YouTube | No commercials while you watch videos. |
| Background Play | Keep a video playing while you use other apps or lock your phone. |
| Downloads | Save videos to watch offline (like on a plane). |
| YouTube Music | A music streaming service included at no extra cost. |
| Ad‑Supported Peacock Premium | Access to Peacock’s library with a few short ads – think of it like a TV channel that plays a quick commercial break. |
| Live Sports | NFL, NBA, and other big games streamed live. |
| Blockbuster Movies | New releases from Universal Pictures. |
| Hit Original Series | Shows like Saturday Night Live, Love Island USA, Law & Order: SVU, and many more. |
| International Bundles & Upgrade Options | Later this year, you’ll be able to pick a plan that fits you best, even outside the U.S. |
Important Point
The Peacock portion is ad‑supported (you’ll see a few commercials). If you want an ad‑free Peacock experience later, you’ll be able to upgrade your Peacock membership separately.
How Will It Work? (Step‑by‑Step)
- Stay Subscribed – Keep your YouTube Premium membership active.
- Wait for the Rollout – YouTube will email eligible U.S. members when the feature goes live (exact dates coming soon).
- Open YouTube – You’ll see a new “Peacock” section inside the YouTube app or on the web.
- Start Watching – Click any Peacock show or live event; a short ad may play, then the content starts.
- Optional Upgrade – If you later decide you want Peacock without ads, you can upgrade directly from the Peacock settings.
Extra Goodies Coming Later
- International Bundles – Similar packages for users outside the U.S.
- Flexible Peacock Plans – Choose the Peacock tier that matches your viewing habits.
- Live Sports on YouTube – Selected NBC Sports events will also stream for free on the NBC Sports YouTube channel (no Premium needed for those specific games).
Summary
- YouTube Premium now includes ad‑supported Peacock Premium for eligible U.S. subscribers.
- You keep all current YouTube Premium perks plus a huge library of live sports, movies, and original series.
- A few short ads will appear during Peacock content (that’s what “ad‑supported” means).
- More options (international bundles, Peacock upgrades) and exact launch dates will be announced in the coming months.
- Some live sports will also be free on the NBC Sports YouTube channel.
FAQ
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who is eligible for Peacock with YouTube Premium? | Current YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States. YouTube will notify you when it’s available for your account. |
| 2 | What does “ad‑supported” mean? | You’ll see a few short commercials (like on regular TV) while watching Peacock shows. The rest of YouTube stays completely ad‑free. |
| 3 | Do I have to pay extra for Peacock? | No. The ad‑supported Peacock Premium is included at no additional cost with your existing YouTube Premium subscription. |
| 4 | Can I upgrade to an ad‑free Peacock later? | Yes! You’ll be able to upgrade your Peacock plan directly from the Peacock settings whenever you want. |
| 5 | When will this launch? | Exact dates haven’t been announced yet. YouTube will share launch details with Premium members over the coming months. |
Want the official press release?
Read NBCUniversal’s announcement here.
Enjoy the bigger, better streaming playground!
