You Can Now Watch YouTube on Your Peloton
Big news for Peloton fans: starting this week, you can watch good old YouTube on your Bike, Bike+, Tread or Row. Now you might say, “YouTube TV was already an option in the Entertainment tab of my Peloton. What’s the big deal? The key, my friend, is that YouTube TV is a subscription television service, and YouTube is, well, YouTube. This new integration allows you to watch standard videos on the platform just like you would on your phone or computer.
How to Access YouTube on Peloton
You access YouTube the same way you access other non-class features like scenic rides or my favorite game, Lanebreak : through a dedicated tab in the menu at the bottom of the screen. Specifically, it’s located in the Entertainment tab. (If you go to this tab and don’t see it, don’t worry. Sometimes Peloton software updates come in waves. You’ll get them sooner or later.)
Just tap YouTube and you’ll be taken to a landing page that initially displays Peloton’s channel on the video sharing platform. You can log into your YouTube profile by logging into your Google account, or simply use it as a guest. At the top of the screen you will be prompted to start a workout if you want your resistance, cadence and performance to be tracked and monitored as you ride and watch.
Why I Like It as a Peloton Option
Over the years, I’ve kind of given up on watching TV shows or movies while doing cardio. I just feel like I don’t move hard enough when I’m so distracted, so I prefer doing an activity or playing Lanebreak . However, I know that many people prefer or even need the distraction of doing cardio, and if the ability to watch YouTube gets more people on bikes or treadmills, I’m all for it.
I tested the feature this morning by first logging into my Google account and then searching for what I wanted to watch. There are plenty of spin classes available on YouTube, and I have friends who watch them while riding non-Peloton bikes at home. As I explained in my Peloton Bike review , classes designed for your Peloton and accessible through the accompanying app are always your best option, as they’re tailored to your specific equipment and track how well you do on that equipment, but if you ever want to watch a different class, that’s now an option.
Personally, I decided to watch something that I knew would inspire me, so I turned on Lady Gaga’s cinematic masterpiece, the 2011 “Marry the Night” video. I play this song all the time in the spin classes I teach , but this video is something special for me. It worked flawlessly. There was no lag, the image was crisp and clear, and I could see my cadence and resistance at the bottom of the screen the entire time, just like I can see it when I take an actual Peloton class. Being able to watch one of my favorite music videos really pushed me a lot. It was only after completing the workout that I realized how fast and hard I had gone and how many calories I had burned. The video on my screen really captivated me.
Things to Keep in Mind If You Watch YouTube on Your Peloton
This is a great option if you want to do something other than classes, Lanebreak or a scenic drive, but keep in mind that you won’t get any tips from the pros while doing this unless you’re watching a spinning masterclass on YouTube. I’m hesitant to recommend this if you’re a beginner, but I say this as an instructor who is concerned about your safety. Take a few classes first if you haven’t already so you have an understanding of proper form and technique.
I also know that a lot of people fall into some tough holes on YouTube. Riding for a long time is great, but be careful and set some limits or keep track of how long you do it. Drink fluids often and take breaks. It’s not like going on a YouTube binge while lying on the couch; you may be overexerting yourself without even realizing it.