You’ll soon be able to watch YouTube TV channels for free as the feature is currently being tested with a small group of users in the US. This would put YouTube in more direct competition with the likes of Roku and Plex.
Originally reported by Wall Street Journal (opens in a new tab) and later confirmed by YouTube, the channels are bundled together in a central hub that gives viewers the choice of what they want to watch, with various content partners registered.
The idea is to “measure viewer interest” according to YouTube’s statement. If the new addition is positively received by those who test it, it can apparently be rolled out on a larger scale later this year.
Central destination
There will also be a cut for YouTube – around 45 percent of ad revenue, according to a report in the WSJ. This is exactly the same cut as with ads on YouTube videos created by content creators.
“YouTube is the only place viewers can find anything they’re looking for, and we’re always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination where they can more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them,” he said. YouTube gizmodo (opens in a new tab).
This is separate from the YouTube TV service, which requires a monthly fee in exchange for various TV channels streamed over the Internet. There is also the option to permanently purchase movies and TV shows through the YouTube interface.
Analysis: Television is constantly changing
YouTube has been experimenting with TV shows for a long time. Anything purchased through the Google TV interface is available on YouTube, and many ad-supported programs have been added to the platform in March last year (opens in a new tab).
The move is also a response to what other streaming platforms are doing. We already mentioned Roku and Plex, which also offer free ad-supported TV channels, Netflix introduced a cheaper ad-supported tier, and Disney Plus is doing the same in March.
Throw in all the traditional ways of watching TV that still exist, and viewers will have a huge choice in what they can watch (and how they can watch it) – whether it’s live TV or specific programs .
Of course, YouTube wants to watch as many eyeballs as possible on its platform for as long as possible, and this is another step in that direction. See also YouTube Shorts, another recent innovation that makes YouTube more attractive.