Do I need TV licence if I only watch Youtube in my Smart TV?

Do I need TV licence if I only watch Youtube in my Smart TV?
I do not have iplayer BBC account and do not watch BBC channel.
I only use my smart TV for games and YouTube.
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Comments

  • Neil49
    Neil49 Posts: 3,342 Forumite
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    The answer is No! 
  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 17,985 Forumite
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    I disagree with Neil.  He may be technically correct, but proving it will be impossible.  Unless you modify the TV so it's incapable of receiving broadcast channels, you need to get a TV licence.
  • neilmcl
    neilmcl Posts: 19,460 Forumite
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    edited 12 November 2020 at 8:27PM
    https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one

    It's quite clear from that site that you need a license to watch "live" tv, even on streaming or online services, such as Youtube.

    However https://www.gov.uk/tv-licence says different.
  • neilmcl said:
    https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one

    It's quite clear from that site that you need a license to watch "live" tv, even on streaming or online services, such as Youtube.

    However https://www.gov.uk/tv-licence says different.
    Almost all content on youtube is not live.  You don't need a TV licence to watch old pop music videos on youtube, or "unboxing" videos (why do those even exist?), but if there's a simulcast stream of a broadcast TV channel running on youtube you'll need a TV licence to watch that.
    Proud member of the wokerati, though I don't eat tofu.Home is where my books are.Solar PV 5.2kWp system, SE facing, >1% shading, installed March 2019.Mortgage free July 2023
  • JJ_Egan
    JJ_Egan Posts: 20,281 Forumite
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    I have watched live broadcasts on You Tube .
  • Neil_Jones
    Neil_Jones Posts: 9,531 Forumite
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    JJ_Egan said:
    I have watched live broadcasts on You Tube .

    It might be debatable as to whether a "live broadcast" on YouTube counts as a TV programme.
    If you're watching, say, the Sky News stream that's obviously a simulcast of the TV channel (by and large), that's a no brainer.
    But if you're watching somebody play F1 2020 as a live video stream or just sits there vlogging live, that's not a "programme" as such and it could be argued you don't need a licence if that's the only "live" content you watch.
  • "Unless you modify the TV so it's incapable of receiving broadcast channels, you need to get a TV licence. "
    That is not correct. It might be wise unplugging the aerial from it's wall socket or the downlead from a satellite broadcast receiver but the t.v. doesn't need modifying. Maybe I'm being a bit pedantic but as long as live content or iPlayer are not watched then nothing needs to be done other than save £157.50 poll tax.
  • JJ_Egan
    JJ_Egan Posts: 20,281 Forumite
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    edited 13 November 2020 at 4:15PM
    No i mean actual live streams of for me a Rugby match .Live as in actual kick off time , not a replay and not highlights .

    1st Nov  Eng  v Italy ladies six nations from Parma  last one i watched live on you tube .
    14th Nov

    Kick-off 1415hrs

    Live-stream: YouTube, Twitter & AP15s website.


  • alex132
    alex132 Posts: 51 Forumite
    10 Posts Name Dropper
    I already make 1 year payment, can I get refund?
  • pphillips
    pphillips Posts: 1,631 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    alex132 said:
    I already make 1 year payment, can I get refund?
    Only if you tell them that you don't need a licence.
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