Movie rentals have changed considerably over the years. You can now select and watch movies or TV episodes from various streaming sites, including YouTube. If it’s your first time renting movies or you have difficulty using the site, our handy guide will show you how to rent movies on YouTube in 4 quick steps.
YouTube Movie Rentals
Numerous streaming services online allow you to rent and buy movies. VUDU, Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play are popular options. You can also rent films through the largest video-sharing service in the world, and you might be surprised by the selection.
If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, you may already be familiar with the rental process. Those who have never rented content through YouTube have three ways: a mobile device, PC, or smart TV. Movies are easier to browse from a PC or Smart TV and have thousands of options.
YouTube does have a range of ad-supported free content. You’ll need to set up a payment method for your Google account to rent a film or TV episode. You can check on that and set up “Quick Purchases” through Settings>Billing and Payments on YouTube.
How to Rent Movies on YouTube App
Using the YouTube app to rent movies is the quickest way for people on the go, and a great way to rent movies while visiting friends or family.
1. Open the App
Using a smartphone or tablet, go to the YouTube app and tap to open it. Select the one you want to rent a film under if you have multiple accounts.
2. Search for a Film
Go to the search bar and type in the name of the film you would like to rent. In this case, we searched for “The Menu” which you can see in the screenshot below.
3. Buy or Rent
Once you find a movie you want to rent, select Buy or Rent. To proceed to the next menu, choose Rent unless you plan to purchase the film.
4. Confirm Selection
What screen you’ll see here depends on your device and the payment method for YouTube. Regardless of the smartphone or slate, confirm your selection here, and the movie rental will become available to view instantly.
How to Rent Movies on YouTube from a Web Browser
Want to rent a flick or TV episode while you’re on the go? The YouTube app is an excellent starting place. You can also rent movies on YouTube from the web, which provides a little more freedom.
1. Sign in at YouTube
Go to YouTube using a web browser from a laptop, desktop, or mobile device and sign in to your account.
2. Moves and TV
Click on the 3-dash menu on the left side of the page to open a submenu and scroll down until you see Movies & TV under the Explore section.
3. Choose a Movie
Now you have access to all the films available on YouTube to rent along with free, ad-supported movies. Locate a movie through the search function or browse until you find something you like.
4. Confirm Rental
When you choose a film, the trailer begins to play, and a pop-up will appear asking you if you want to rent or buy the movie. Click the button and confirm your selection on the next screen to finalize your movie rental through YouTube.
For a quick overview of the steps above check out the video below.
How to Rent Movies on Smart TVs with YouTube
If you have a modern TV with an Ethernet port or built-in Wi-Fi, you can rent movies on YouTube using a TV remote. It’s a process most people will be familiar with and only requires a TV with the YouTube app and an account.
To rent movies on a Smart TV, find the YouTube app and open it using your remote control. Once it loads, you’ll need to sign in to your “main” account for rentals and purchases. Locate the Movies & TV section in the menu to bring up a list of content available to rent on the platform.
You browse or search from here until you find something you want to rent. Anything that falls under that category through the YouTube Smart TV app will have a “Buy or Rent” button when viewing the preview.
The Wrap-Up
Renting movies on YouTube is a great way to try before you buy or check out a film you’ve been curious about. It’s one of the better services in that regard when it comes to availability considering the number of countries where you can access YouTube. If you’re new to the platform and are wondering how to change the settings to suit your needs, check out our complete guide to YouTube settings.
