Channel Surfer is a retro TV guide that turns YouTube into live cable TV. Every channel runs on a fixed schedule based on wall-clock time — everyone watching the same channel sees the same video at the same moment. It’s the shared, lean-back experience of 90s cable, rebuilt for YouTube.
How does the schedule work? – Videos loop on a fixed daily schedule based on wall-clock time. Everyone watching the same channel sees the same video at the same moment.
Can I add my own channels? Yes! Use the bookmarklet on any YouTube playlist or channel page, then paste the JSON into the Import panel. Press I or click + Import.
Why won’t a video play? Some videos might be blocked in your region. Working on a fix.
Can you add a certain channel? Get in touch and suggest away! (No guarantee it will get added.)
Quick Facts
- Launched March 2026
- 40 channels covering music, tech, cooking, retro, and more
- Deterministic schedule — no algorithm, no recommendations
- Users can import their own YouTube subscriptions as channels
- Free, no account required
