YouTube TV is giving subscribers a $20 credit as the YouTube TV Disney dispute continues without a resolution. The ongoing blackout of Disney-owned channels has already lasted longer than anyone expected. However, the company says it wants customers to know their patience hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The credit arrives while Google, which owns YouTube TV, and Disney are still trying to negotiate new licensing terms. Meanwhile, millions of viewers are stuck without ESPN, ABC and other major channels they rely on.
Why the YouTube TV Disney dispute triggered a $20 credit
Disney-owned channels were removed from YouTube TV on October 30 after both sides failed to reach a new agreement. Since then, both companies have publicly defended their positions. Disney says it offered a deal that would cost Google less than the expired contract. YouTube TV, in contrast, argues Disney pushed for “costly economic terms” that would raise prices and limit customer choice.
Moreover, YouTube TV insists it is still negotiating “in good faith.” As a result, the $20 credit serves as a small compensation for viewers missing live sports, kids’ content and local broadcasts during the YouTube TV Disney dispute.
How to redeem the $20 credit during the YouTube TV Disney dispute
When the blackout began, YouTube TV promised to issue a credit if the outage extended beyond a short interruption. By November 9, the company confirmed that primary account holders — the “family managers” — would receive an email with instructions.
How to claim the credit
- First, open tv.youtube.com in a browser and log in.
- Click your profile picture.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select Updates.
- Finally, choose Claim credit.
Once you claim it, your next bill will automatically reflect the discount. Additionally, if you’re billed through Google Play or another provider, the credit should apply without extra steps. To verify your billing method, open the Billing tab.
Which Disney channels were removed as part of the YouTube TV Disney dispute?
Here are the channels currently unavailable:
- ABC
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- ESPN
- ESPNews
- ESPN2
- ESPNU
- Freeform
- FX
- FXM
- FXX
- Localish
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Wild
- SEC Network
Therefore, the blackout affects everything from major sports broadcasts to primetime entertainment — a significant gap for anyone depending on YouTube TV as their main TV provider.
What happens next in the YouTube TV Disney dispute?
At this point, both companies say they want a deal. However, neither side has offered a clear timeline. Meanwhile, subscribers will need to rely on the $20 credit and hope negotiations move forward soon. Until a new agreement is reached, the missing channels remain offline.
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