The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Not reliably, based on YouTube’s published instructions. YouTube does not document a universal way to complete a paid channel-membership purchase in the standard smart-TV app while watching a 24/7 livestream. It says the Join button is unavailable on some platforms. If you do not see Join on your TV, use the channel’s homepage or its /join page, or finish the purchase on YouTube from a computer or mobile device.
That is a limit in YouTube’s documentation, not proof that every TV app blocks membership purchases. A TV app may show Subscribe, but subscribing to follow a channel is different from paying for a channel membership.
What to try on your TV
-
While the stream is open, check the channel or stream page for a Join button. YouTube notes that Join is not available on every platform, so not seeing it does not necessarily mean the creator has no memberships. YouTube’s membership instructions describe the platform limitation.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
If Join is missing, open the creator’s channel homepage or visit the channel’s
/joinpage. You can also use YouTube on a computer or in the mobile app.#1 Best Overall
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
-
Sign in, select Join, choose a membership level, review its perks, and follow the payment prompts to complete the purchase. The channel must have memberships enabled, the feature must be available in your country or region, and you must meet YouTube’s age requirement: 18 in most locations, or 19 in Korea and Algeria, according to YouTube’s membership instructions.
Why Subscribe and Join are different
- Subscribe follows a channel; it is not a paid membership. YouTube’s TV-app instructions describe revealing video details and choosing Subscribe while watching a video. YouTube’s TV-app guide does not establish that this action buys a creator membership.
- Join starts a paid channel membership, with monthly payments for creator-defined levels and perks. Perks can include badges, emoji, posts, or members-only content; what is offered depends on the creator. See YouTube’s membership-benefits guide.
- YouTube TV membership refers to a separate live-TV service, not a creator’s channel membership. Similarly, YouTube’s instructions for buying movies and TV shows on supported TVs do not show that channel memberships use the same checkout. YouTube’s smart-TV purchase guide covers those film and TV purchases.
Can you join without leaving a livestream?
YouTube documents a membership purchase during a specific live-viewing flow: the mobile app’s vertical live feed. In that feed, tap the dollar-sign icon in live chat, tap Memberships, then tap Join. YouTube says this purchase route is available on Android phones and is not currently available on iPhones. Those instructions do not establish the same flow for a standard horizontal livestream or a smart-TV app. See YouTube’s vertical-live-stream guide.
Rank #2
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
YouTube also says that when someone joins during a channel livestream, a green “New Member” message can appear in live chat. That confirms a live membership interaction, but it does not document smart-TV checkout.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If Join does not appear
- Try the channel homepage or its
/joinpage: this is the direct alternative when the TV platform does not show Join. - Switch to YouTube on a computer or mobile device: YouTube recommends these platforms when Join is unavailable on the current one.
- Check eligibility: the channel must offer memberships, and membership availability is limited to eligible countries or regions. Viewer age requirements also apply.
- Do not treat Subscribe as a workaround: it follows the channel but does not purchase a paid membership.
For creators running a 24/7 stream
A viewer’s ability to buy a membership depends on YouTube’s interface and eligibility rules; keeping a stream running does not guarantee that Join will be available on every device. If your separate goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube livestream, StreamNeo runs that stream from the cloud: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It is YouTube-only and does not stream from a camera.
Rank #3
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, nothing has to stay on at home. Your uploads stream as made, at any quality up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
