Subscribers to YouTube TV in the UK are being offered a one-time £20 credit as compensation for a major channel blackout that has left them without access to popular Disney-owned networks for over two weeks.
How to Claim Your Compensation
The disruption, which began on October 30, 2025, has blocked viewers from watching key entertainment and sports programming, including Monday Night Football and Dancing With the Stars. In response, YouTube TV started emailing subscribers on Sunday with instructions on how to claim a one-time $20 credit to be applied to their next bill.
To secure the credit, account holders with an active subscription need to follow a few simple steps. They must visit tv.youtube.com via a browser or mobile device, click on their profile, navigate to Settings, and then select Updates. There, they should locate the specific “Disney Credit” notification and click “Claim credit.” A confirmation message will appear once the process is complete.
For those who are billed through third-party providers such as Google Play, the credit is being applied automatically. It is crucial to note that this is a one-time offer, irrespective of how long the blackout continues.
The Stakes of the Standoff
The ongoing dispute is proving costly for both corporate giants. According to reports from Deadline, Disney is losing an estimated $4.3 million daily in revenue. On the other side, a Variety report indicates that the disruption has prompted 24 percent of YouTube TV subscribers to either cancel their service or plan to do so.
When the blackout started, YouTube TV publicly accused Disney of using the tactic to force through higher prices for consumers. In a statement, the company said, "This decision directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo." They urged Disney to return to negotiations to reach a fair agreement.
This conflict occurs against a backdrop of rising costs for consumers. Since its launch in 2017, the monthly price for YouTube TV has climbed from $35 to $82.99 as of January 2025, with notable increases in 2019 and 2023.
What Happens Next?
The return of Disney channels, including ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic, remains uncertain as negotiations between the two companies continue. However, YouTube TV has provided a small glimmer of hope, stating that if a new deal is struck, the channels could be restored to the service “in a matter of hours.” For now, subscribers must make do with the offered credit as they await a resolution.
