YouTube about to introduce pay-TV?

[*BlackFox]

App's hidden code reveals new subscription plan for video channels

Find backs up speculation that YouTube plans paid-for channels by spring
Move would bring it into competition with satellite and cable services
Google-owned firm has solicited bids from several production companies
Channels expected to cost between $1 (60p) and $5 (£3) per month

YouTube has dropped the strongest hint yet that it is planning to introduce subscriptions for video content. The plan was revealed in fragments of code in the latest update of the YouTube app - and comes after claims the Google-owned site could introduce the new paid-for model as early as this spring. The move is being viewed as an aggressive move by the world's most popular streaming video site to compete directly with traditional television services for viewers and advertisers.
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[omier]

Well, that is weird. But as long as I can still keep watching the stuff I like, it's fine.

[Skyve]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

[*BlackFox]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

Even if they are bombarding you with adverts? lulz

[poehalcho]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

Really?
This goes like entirely against the laws of the internet D:
The internet should be a free place.

If YT wants payment they'll definitely lose all their viewers. Someone will instantly create a new site, most likely based on the old youtube (lol) and everyone will migrate there...

[omier]

I certainly wouldn't pay for something that was originally free.

[Tasdik]

I believe YT will be testing it out. Like, only a few certain channels/videos will be Pay to view, to see what it'd be like.

And honestly, if the channels were worth the $5, I'd pay.

[CrimsonNuker]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

Even if they are bombarding you with adverts? lulz

AdBlock doe.

[Tasdik]

^ That.

Actually reset my computer the other day, which meant no adblock, went to youtube, and was amazed at all the ad's. Adblock op.

[_Dutchy_]

It will probaly be like posting shows on youtube. from HBO etc will be placed into payed channels regular content won't change. So instead of this SHIT IS COPYRIGHTED etc, You'll get go Farking watch it at our paid channel kthxbye

[MrTwilliger]

The next logical step to eliminating the TV, I for one support the idea. On demand TV shows without screwing over the developers? I'm up for it.

[Bartic]

It will probaly be like posting shows on youtube. from HBO etc will be placed into payed channels regular content won't change. So instead of this SHIT IS COPYRIGHTED etc, You'll get go Farking watch it at our paid channel kthxbye

Yeah, you got the point.

[omier]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

Even if they are bombarding you with adverts? lulz

AdBlock doe.

Also helps partnered channels make less money.

[ltsune]

I'd pay 5$/month for some YouTube anyday.

Really?
This goes like entirely against the laws of the internet D:
The internet should be a free place.

If YT wants payment they'll definitely lose all their viewers. Someone will instantly create a new site, most likely based on the old youtube (lol) and everyone will migrate there...

It's not like they'll charge you to watch what you already watch.

What they'll do is most likely turn into something a bit like Netflix. You know, they'll keep having all the free videos etc., but give you the option to watch some "movie" channels for $5 per month. I am quite sure that's what they're going to do.

Basically: Add new very high quality channels and require a fee to see them.


I love it

[penfold1992]

well they have a problem because... they must pump out good high quality content for people to pay a premium for it and my internet is too shitty to watch hd videos so i wouldnt be paying for the hd quality. Also i think they would need to be posting a lot of videos to make the price of a youtube channel worth it...

if you are subbed to philip defranco, rwj, smosh, freddiew and tobuscus thats 5 channels and $25 a month... thats only 5 channels too! there is no way id pay 25 dollars to watch the quality and frequency of their content.

either way, whats stopping someone else streaming it or pirating it?

[*BlackFox]

The move will bolster YouTube’s attempts to lure viewers (and advertisers) from TV to computer screens.
YouTube has never been secretive about that goal: At last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, YouTube Vice President Robert Kyncl predicted that 75 percent of all channels would start online within the next 10 years.

According to AdAge and the Journal, subscription models will start small and could take several forms. YouTube has apparently invited a group of roughly 25 channel producers to apply for the experiment, including media companies the site works with already, such as Machinima, Maker Studios and Fullscreen.

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