Table of Contents
- Why Does YouTube TV's Custom Multiview Feature Transform Your Viewing Experience?
- Understanding YouTube TV Multiview Technology
- Accessing Pre-Made Multiviews
- Creating Your Custom Multiview Setup
- Step-by-Step Creation Process
- Managing Audio Between Multiple Channels
- Exiting and Restarting Multiviews
- Privacy and History Management
- Managing Your Viewing Data
- Current Limitations and Future Possibilities
- Maximizing Your Multiview Experience
- Best practices for smooth viewing
- Ideal multiview combinations
Why Does YouTube TV's Custom Multiview Feature Transform Your Viewing Experience?
Switching between channels on YouTube TV can be tricky. You might miss a game-winning goal or breaking news. Custom multiviews solve this problem completely.
Understanding YouTube TV Multiview Technology
YouTube TV launched multiviews in 2023. Sports fans could watch four games at once. Audio switched between channels with ease.
The feature expanded in late 2024. Users noticed pre-made multiviews during holiday seasons. Hallmark and Lifetime channels paired together for Christmas movies.
Now you can build your own multiviews. Pick any compatible channels. Watch up to four streams simultaneously.
Important limitation: Custom multiviews only work on smart TVs and streaming boxes. Web browsers and mobile apps show pre-made options only.
Accessing Pre-Made Multiviews
Pre-made multiviews work everywhere. Open YouTube TV on any device. Here's how:
- Tap the Home button
- Scroll down to "Watch in Multiview"
- Select any available option
- Start watching immediately
Options change throughout the day. Sunday afternoons show sports channels. Primetime offers local networks like CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. News hours include CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.
Creating Your Custom Multiview Setup
Building custom multiviews takes just minutes. Compatible channels include:
- Sports networks: ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports
- News stations: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BBC
- Weather channels: Weather Channel, Fox Weather
- Local networks: CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX
- Cable channels: TNT, TBS, USA, Food Network
Step-by-Step Creation Process
- Start with one channel: Open your YouTube TV guide. Select a compatible channel to begin viewing.
- Access multiview builder: Press the down arrow on your remote while watching full screen. Select "Multiview" below the progress bar.
- Build your layout: Choose "Build a multiview" from the menu. Browse available channels and select up to four options.
- Remove unwanted channels: Made a mistake? Scroll to the bottom of the channel list. Click any selected channel to remove it.
- Finish setup: Press the back button when done. Your multiview appears with 2-4 windows showing selected channels.
Managing Audio Between Multiple Channels
Only one channel plays audio at a time. Multiple audio streams would create chaos.
The active channel shows a small volume icon in the top-left corner. This icon moves slightly and blends with the interface.
Switching audio: Use your remote's arrow keys to move between channels. Audio switching takes up to five seconds. Patience helps here.
Exiting and Restarting Multiviews
Press the back button or up arrow to exit multiview mode. The YouTube TV guide or home screen appears. Your multiview continues playing in the background.
Annoying limitation: Multiviews disappear when you exit. You must rebuild them each time. YouTube TV hasn't added a save feature yet.
Privacy and History Management
Multiviews affect your watch history. YouTube TV suggests content based on viewed channels. This might include shows you weren't actually watching.
Managing Your Viewing Data
Delete watch history:
- Select your profile icon
- Go to Settings
- Choose Privacy
- Select "Delete Watch History"
Pause watch history (proactive approach):
- Follow steps 1-3 above
- Select "Pause Watch History"
- Unpause later using the same method
This works on TV apps, browsers, and mobile devices.
Current Limitations and Future Possibilities
Custom multiviews remain limited to TV and streaming box apps. Mobile and web users get pre-made options only.
More channels should become compatible soon. YouTube TV continues expanding the feature. Eventually, mobile and web access might arrive.
The save feature would eliminate the biggest frustration. Rebuilding multiviews repeatedly wastes time.
Maximizing Your Multiview Experience
Best practices for smooth viewing
- Start with major networks for testing
- Choose channels with different content types
- Keep your remote nearby for audio switching
- Be patient with audio delays
- Plan your channel combinations ahead of time
Ideal multiview combinations
- Sports game + news + weather
- Local news + national news + weather
- Multiple sports games during big events
- News + entertainment + sports
Custom multiviews change how you watch TV. No more missing important moments while channel surfing. Multiple streams keep you informed and entertained simultaneously.
The feature works best for live events, breaking news, and sports. Entertainment shows might be harder to follow across multiple windows.
YouTube TV's multiview technology puts control in your hands. Build the perfect viewing experience for any situation.