BBC News Channel Now Streams Live on YouTube in the US: How It Compares With DIRECTV Channel 346
The BBC News channel started streaming live on YouTube in the United States on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Anyone in the U.S. can watch it free on the BBC News YouTube channel, on a phone, computer or any TV or streaming device with the YouTube app.
The BBC calls the U.S. and U.K. launch a trial. The channel was already on YouTube in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria and Poland, and YouTube says it's streaming 24/7. If you have DIRECTV, you can already watch BBC News on channel 346. Here's how the new YouTube stream compares with BBC.com, the BBC app and DIRECTV, as of October 15, 2026.
Every way to watch BBC News live in the US
| Option | Cost | Where you watch |
|---|---|---|
| BBC News on YouTube | Free | The BBC News YouTube channel's live stream, on any device with YouTube |
| DIRECTV channel 346 | Included with MyFree DIRECTV and qualifying paid DIRECTV plans | DIRECTV satellite, DIRECTV streaming and the DIRECTV app |
| BBC.com and the BBC app | BBC subscription: $8.99/mo, or $49.99 for the first year and then $89.99/yr | "Watch live" on BBC.com and the "Live" tab in the BBC app |
| Cable and free streaming TV platforms | Depends on the provider | The BBC says the channel is also carried on cable and free ad-supported streaming services in the U.S. |
What the YouTube launch changes
Until now, the main ways to stream BBC News live in the U.S. were a TV provider like DIRECTV or a BBC.com subscription. BBC Help says a U.S. subscription includes the 24/7 BBC News livestream on BBC.com and the BBC app, priced at $8.99 a month, or $49.99 for the first year and then $89.99 a year, with tax depending on your state. The YouTube stream adds a free option that doesn't need a BBC account.
It's the same BBC News channel, covering world and domestic news, politics, business, technology, culture and breaking stories from the BBC's correspondents around the world. Because the BBC calls this a trial, it's worth keeping a TV option in mind if you watch every day.
How to watch BBC News on your TV
- On YouTube: open the YouTube app on your smart TV, streaming stick or game console, search "BBC News" and choose the channel's live stream. It also works in a web browser and the YouTube phone app.
- On DIRECTV: press 3-4-6 on your remote, or say or type "BBC News" in search. The channel number is the same on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming.
- On the DIRECTV app: sign in with your DIRECTV user ID on a phone, tablet or streaming device and search "BBC News" to watch live away from home.
BBC News on DIRECTV
BBC News is DIRECTV channel 346 in HD. DIRECTV lists it in the MyFree DIRECTV lineup, which is free with a DIRECTV ID and needs no credit card or satellite dish. DIRECTV says Genre Pack customers and Signature ENTERTAINMENT customers and higher already get every MyFree channel, and BBC News is also part of the ULTIMATE and PREMIER lineups. Our guide to what channel BBC News is on DIRECTV has the package details, and our MyFree DIRECTV guide explains how to sign up.
DIRECTV puts BBC News next to the other major news networks. CNN is on 202 and FOX News Channel is on 360, and there's more in our guides to CNN on DIRECTV, FOX News on DIRECTV and C-SPAN on DIRECTV, or the full DIRECTV channel lineup.
YouTube, BBC.com or DIRECTV: which one fits?
If you just want BBC News on in the background, the free YouTube stream is the easiest way to start. A BBC.com subscription makes more sense if you also want full articles, BBC documentaries and early-access podcasts, which BBC Help lists as part of the U.S. subscription. DIRECTV is the better fit if you want BBC News alongside your local channels, sports and the rest of your news networks in one guide, with DVR and one bill. For more free options, see our guide to free TV streaming apps for your smart TV.
Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
Is BBC News free on YouTube in the US?
Yes. The BBC News channel started streaming live on the BBC News YouTube channel in the U.S. on October 15, 2026, and it's free to watch. The BBC describes the U.S. and U.K. launch as a trial.
Do I need a BBC subscription to watch BBC News live?
Not on YouTube. On BBC.com and the BBC app, the 24/7 BBC News livestream is part of the U.S. BBC subscription, which BBC Help prices at $8.99 a month or $49.99 for the first year, then $89.99 a year.
What channel is BBC News on DIRECTV?
BBC News is channel 346 on DIRECTV, in HD. The number is the same on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming.
Is BBC News on MyFree DIRECTV?
Yes. DIRECTV lists BBC News in the MyFree DIRECTV lineup, which is free with a DIRECTV ID. DIRECTV says Genre Pack and Signature ENTERTAINMENT and higher customers already get every MyFree channel.
Is BBC News the same as BBC America?
No. BBC News is the 24-hour news channel on DIRECTV channel 346. BBC America is a separate entertainment channel on DIRECTV channel 264.
Where else is BBC News on YouTube?
Before the U.S. and U.K. launch, the BBC News channel was already streaming on YouTube in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria and Poland.
Want BBC News, your local channels and sports in one DIRECTV plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 15, 2026. The BBC describes the YouTube launch as a trial, and its availability, BBC subscription prices, DIRECTV channel numbers and MyFree DIRECTV lineups may change. BBC, BBC News, BBC America, YouTube, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.