YouTube is testing a cable-like free channel hub
The company is reportedly in talks with media companies to showcase their shows and movies.
YouTube is reportedly in talks with media companies to feature their TV shows and movies in a hub of ad-supported channels. He is already testing the idea of weighing viewer interest. According to The Wall Street Journal
, the platform may roll out the hub to more users later this year.If YouTube goes ahead with the plan, it will enter a market known in the industry as Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television, or FAST. Players in this space include Roku, Fox's Tubi, and Pluto TV, which is owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). Depending on the content it offers and how it sets up the mentioned channels, YouTube could end up drawing more attention away from these services.
YouTube has confirmed to Journal that it is running a test in which a small number of users can watch ad-supported channels. "We're always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them," a spokeswoman said.
The service reportedly teamed up with Lionsgate, A+E Networks and FilmRise for the test. For media companies, these channels offer them a way to generate revenue from content that might otherwise languish.
YouTube already offers ad-supported movies, but this hub could give users a bigger shelf of free movies and shows to watch. Its channels could work similarly to Pluto TV. This platform has channels dedicated to reruns of certain shows - such as CSI, Doctor Who, South Park and Frasier - as well as reality series, live news and even sports.
The thoughtful move to FAST aligns with YouTube's strategy of expanding into other video formats beyond the content traditionally associated with the platform. In November, it released YouTube TV's premium streaming channels and its main app. Showtime, Starz, Paramount+ and AMC+ were among the first Primetime channels. Most recently, YouTube locked in exclusive rights to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package in a multi-billion dollar deal that's supposed to last seven years.
YouTube already has the largest share of TV viewing time among streaming services in the United States, according to Nielsen. It beat Netflix for the third consecutive month in November with 8.8% of watch time. Initiatives such as the FAST and Sunday Ticket channels could help it capture more mind-share and attention from viewers.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
The company is reportedly in talks with media companies to showcase their shows and movies.
YouTube is reportedly in talks with media companies to feature their TV shows and movies in a hub of ad-supported channels. He is already testing the idea of weighing viewer interest. According to The Wall Street Journal
, the platform may roll out the hub to more users later this year.If YouTube goes ahead with the plan, it will enter a market known in the industry as Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television, or FAST. Players in this space include Roku, Fox's Tubi, and Pluto TV, which is owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). Depending on the content it offers and how it sets up the mentioned channels, YouTube could end up drawing more attention away from these services.
YouTube has confirmed to Journal that it is running a test in which a small number of users can watch ad-supported channels. "We're always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them," a spokeswoman said.
The service reportedly teamed up with Lionsgate, A+E Networks and FilmRise for the test. For media companies, these channels offer them a way to generate revenue from content that might otherwise languish.
YouTube already offers ad-supported movies, but this hub could give users a bigger shelf of free movies and shows to watch. Its channels could work similarly to Pluto TV. This platform has channels dedicated to reruns of certain shows - such as CSI, Doctor Who, South Park and Frasier - as well as reality series, live news and even sports.
The thoughtful move to FAST aligns with YouTube's strategy of expanding into other video formats beyond the content traditionally associated with the platform. In November, it released YouTube TV's premium streaming channels and its main app. Showtime, Starz, Paramount+ and AMC+ were among the first Primetime channels. Most recently, YouTube locked in exclusive rights to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package in a multi-billion dollar deal that's supposed to last seven years.
YouTube already has the largest share of TV viewing time among streaming services in the United States, according to Nielsen. It beat Netflix for the third consecutive month in November with 8.8% of watch time. Initiatives such as the FAST and Sunday Ticket channels could help it capture more mind-share and attention from viewers.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.
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