YouTube to launch subscription service
- 9 years ago
YouTube is to launch a subscription service offering original, exclusive videos - including feature-length films starring high-profile vloggers.
Initially only available in the US, YouTube Red will cost $9.99 a month and have no adverts.
PewDiePie, Rooster Tooth and Lilly Singh are among the well-known names involved.
Analysts suggested it could be difficult to turn millions of fans who expect free access to pay up.
"For years, YouTube's fans have been telling us they want more," the company wrote in a blog post.
"More choice when watching their favourite content, more ways to support their favourite creators and, above all, the option to watch their favourite videos uninterrupted."
YouTube content will be able to be downloaded and watched offline, a contrasting approach to Netflix - its chief product officer last month said offline viewing wasn't something users wanted.
Initially only available in the US, YouTube Red will cost $9.99 a month and have no adverts.
PewDiePie, Rooster Tooth and Lilly Singh are among the well-known names involved.
Analysts suggested it could be difficult to turn millions of fans who expect free access to pay up.
"For years, YouTube's fans have been telling us they want more," the company wrote in a blog post.
"More choice when watching their favourite content, more ways to support their favourite creators and, above all, the option to watch their favourite videos uninterrupted."
YouTube content will be able to be downloaded and watched offline, a contrasting approach to Netflix - its chief product officer last month said offline viewing wasn't something users wanted.