YouTube is adding chat, highlights, and Shorts to NFL Sunday Ticket

YouTube aims to prioritize the 2023 NFL season by ensuring smooth broadcasting of the games it has invested billions in without any buffering or blackouts. Additionally, YouTube is working towards making football broadcasts more integrated with its platform.

YouTube recently unveiled a range of new features for Sunday Ticket this year. Viewers will now be able to participate in live chat and polls during the games, creating a chaotic yet familiar experience, similar to YouTube livestreams. Moreover, users can catch up on game highlights through the Shorts tab, with real-time highlights available as the action unfolds. If a game is ongoing, a “Live” icon allows viewers to jump right into the game.

YouTube has been contemplating these features for some time, aiming to combine its tools and ecosystem with NFL football, one of the most valuable and frequently watched content in the world. Neal Mohan, Head of YouTube, expressed the company’s investment in second-screen experiences, interactivity, and spoiler prevention when it comes to NFL football.

YouTube has also introduced new subscription options for Sunday Ticket, including a monthly payment plan ranging from $349 to $489, as well as a student plan that is presumably more affordable. Additionally, improvements have been made to YouTube TV’s multi-view setup, allowing users to watch multiple games simultaneously.

While details of what creators can do with football footage on YouTube are still limited, it is evident that football will have a significant presence on the platform, and the platform itself will become an integral part of football Sundays.