Major YouTube TV feature goes dark for some subscribers

GOOGLKey PointsYouTube TV recently added all three C-SPAN channels to its base package for U.S. subscribers.Users recently reported widespread issues with a popular feature.YouTube was quick to respond to user concerns and roll out fixes.YouTube TV recently surprised subscribers with a long-awaited addition by confirming the launch of C-SPAN networks. The news that C-SPAN or Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network’s three channels, which provide unedited live coverage of Congress, government hearings, and other public-affairs programming, are rolling out for U.S. subscribers, came two months after the first announcement. “Viewers can now access live C-SPAN coverage on YouTube TV, beginning today. To further increase accessibility of civic content, YouTube is also proud to sponsor C-SPAN’s America 250 programming, which starts early next year,” reads YouTube TV’s official announcement. YouTube TV recently made several other important announcements and improvements. On Nov. 17, Google’s streaming service provider became the first to relaunch a brand-new 24-hour linear channel, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). Not long after, the streamer announced a special surprise for 2026: cheaper, personalized packages. Also in December, YouTube TV tweaked its Multiview feature in response to subscribers’ requests. Until it was fixed, the Multiview feature had a noticeable sound icon or border around the active audio channel, which many users found distracting. Despite the recent improvements, YouTube TV, just like other large and complex streamers, from time to time, experiences certain bugs. YouTube TV subscribers were unable to play content from their recorded library. — Source: Shutterstock YouTube TV’s playback recording option was not working Over the past several years, YouTube TV users have repeatedly reported various DVR and playback problems. In the beginning of 2025, a number of users on Roku devices reported that recording would freeze when fast-forwarding, according to 9 to 5 Google. In the latest development, YouTube TV subscribers were unable to play content from their recorded library. The issue started happening on Dec. 8, and it appeared to be widespread, The Streamable reported. A number of subscribers who tried to access titles saved via their DVR faced a warning that the content was restricted by the channel from which it was recorded. The outlet reports that this was an error, and that TV shows and movies were not actually restricted. Not all YouTube TV users were affected by the error; however, the problem was consistent across various devices (TV app, mobile app, and website), according to subscribers who reported the issue. It wasn’t confirmed how many users were affected and complained, but YouTube TV was quick to address the issue for the majority of subscribers. YouTube TV reports resolving playback issues According to Google’s support page for YouTube TV, it appears that the issue has been mostly resolved. “This is fixed! YouTube TV Users, you should now be able to access your recorded programs without seeing the ‘restricted recording’ or ‘go back’ message,” the post reads. “Thanks for your patience. Let us know here if you’re still having any issues!” User kred65 replied that the problem was not fully corrected, arguing that ”when the show is in progress and you go to the library and click on the show, there’s no longer an option to start the show from the beginning to watch.” More Streaming: Amazon Prime Video introduces major free upgrade for US subscribers Disney’s CEO shares bad news for its biggest rivals Key streaming service drops generous offer for its subscribers YouTube TV’s support person was quick to explain that the issue of not being able to start the show from the beginning might just be a simple settings question. Diamond product expert Bryan GR86 replied that the user should make sure that their watch history isn’t paused in the settings. “To do this, click your avatar in the app, then go to Settings > Privacy. If it hasn’t been paused, let us know below,” reads the comment. YouTube TV playback issues spark conversation among subscribers One of 300 million and more YouTube TV subscribers quickly posted about the issue on Reddit.

User Sensitive Editor7406 started the thread explaining the issue, “Unable to playback any videos from library. National channels, local, etc. Doesn’t work on app or browser. Used to be sporadic with a restart of the app or force restart of browser fixing it, now nothing…WTF YoutubeTV? You’re too expensive for this sort of reliability.” Around 15 of other users replied experiencing the same issue. User No_Mammoth_3509 wrote, “I am having the same problem across all devices. Jeopardy recorded and finished 30 minutes ago, it’s in my library, and on Apple TV, when I select, I only see the ‘Back’ option, can’t play it, and on the laptop, it says ‘NBC Universal has restricted access to this content.’ WTF? Seems like a common issue.” The moderator iron_cam86 shared the update from Google that the issue is now resolved. In case some of the subscribers are still having troubles accessing their recorded problems, it might be that the bug fix hasn’t reached them yet. View post: Netflix quietly removes popular feature, frustrating subscribers EntertainmentNetflix quietly removes popular feature, frustrating subscribers Some speculate that Netflix made the change to crack down on password sharing, among other possible reasons.Nina Zdinjak 0 NFLX About the authorsNina ZdinjakNina Zdinjak is a finance journalist with over 10 years of experience covering money, markets, and business news. She specializes in financial reporting, investor activity, hedge funds, and insider trading. For five years, she served as a finance reporter at Insider Monkey, where she covered hedge fund strategies, SEC filings, and key market trends. Previously, she was an Associate Editor at Benzinga Cannabis.Celine ProviniCeline is writer and editor with over 20 years of experience and has covered diverse news, features, academic/research, and legal topics. At TheStreet.com, Celine is a senior editor with experience across retail, stocks, investing, personal finance, technology, the economy, and travel. Start the Conversation