YouTube TV Updates: How to Claim $20 Credit Amid ESPN Dispute

The ongoing dispute between YouTube TV and Disney isn't showing signs of a fix in the immediate future. While the failed negotiations have been ongoing for multiple weeks now, and YouTube TV has even offered to restore channels such as ABC and ESPN while talks continue, it's now at the point where credits are being offered. Due to the lengthy disruption, YouTube TV has decided to offer a $20 discount to show they "deeply appreciate your patience."

While most subscribers received an email about the credit, those who didn't are left trying to figure out how to use the $20 credit, which we'll detail below.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim the YouTube TV $20 Credit

The $20 credit for YouTube TV subscribers must be redeemed through your account. We're going to walk through the how-to of claiming it and making sure that you're able to at least take advantage of the discount while awaiting the eventual end of YouTube and Disney's ongoing dispute.

To redeem the $20 YouTube TV credit:

• Go to the "updates" tab in Membership Settings on your web browser
• Follow the prompts that point to redeeming your $20 credit
• The discount appears on your next bill for YouTube TV

Here's a look at the email YouTube TV sent to its subscribers.

While the email begins by highlighting the ongoing discussions with Disney, it states that YouTube TV has been "working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV."

However, it's unlikely the $20 discount will do much to make subscribers feel better about the situation. This marks the second consecutive week that football fans have been unable to watch ESPN's Monday Night Football through YouTube TV after all Disney channels went dark on Oct. 30.

Study Highlights Frustration of YouTube TV Subscribers

While there are countless reasons for frustration regarding the dispute between YouTube TV and Disney, many subscribers are understandably at their breaking point. Or, for that matter, have already passed the breaking point, and may have simply thrown in the towel on their service.

A recent survey from market research firm Drive Research polled roughly 1,100 consumers who use the service. They were asked about the blackouts and their stance on continuing with the streaming service. An incredible 24 percent said they’ve either already canceled or intend to cancel their YouTube TV subscription, as Variety detailed.

Negotiations like this aren't completely uncommon, but they are extremely rare. Disney was also involved in a contract negotiation dispute over carriage fees with DirecTV previously, which led to a two-week blackout of all Disney-owned channels. This blackout, which occurred back in September 2024, included ESPN and ABC.

Considering there's been no positive signs signaling a light at the end of the tunnel, it's unknown how much longer the dispute between YouTube TV and Disney could continue.

Related: YouTube TV Backtracks on ESPN, ABC Blackouts as New Update Highlights Subscriber Fallout