Google, Inc.’s online video service YouTube is having problems with its planned paid subscription service, with the site said to have failed to land any content from television networks.
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The new service though may include music videos, with the same report noting that YouTube may fold its current music and music video subscription service Music Key into the as yet unnamed new service. “We have support from the overwhelming majority of our partners, with well over 90 percent of YouTube watchtime covered by agreements, and more in the pipeline about to close”. As it is, network TV content makes up such a small portion of the free YouTube service that it’s nearly inconsequential. Only time will tell whether paid YouTube becomes successful enough for network TV to want a piece of the action. The launch of YouTube Music Key, an ad-free subscription music service, late past year all-but suggested this question was no longer an “if”, but when. They can upload videos and keep them private, but to make money off them they have to opt into the paid system too. With that much content, it’s okay that the YouTube subscription service will be missing names like Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC.
It’s thought that some of the big media companies view the video sharing website as a promotional outlet for clips and highlights, as opposed to full-length shows. Then, back in early April, Google practically confirmed that such a service was in the works by informing their partners of an upcoming option where viewers could pay a set fee each month in order to get an ad-free YouTube experience.
Beyond just getting rid of ads, Bloomberg claims that users will be able to store videos for offline viewing. Most though have already signed deals with companies like Netflix and Amazon for TV series. A lot of these shows will only be available to subscribers. It also means that, with most of the service’s content already available for free, there’ll be extra pressure on YouTube to produce a large amount of original TV content.
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“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, at No. 14, and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” ranked 46, are the only two network programs among the 50 most-watched on Youtube, according to VidStatsX.
