Google is said to be close to levying a fee for some of YouTube’s specialist video channels as part of a plan to introduce a broader range of channels.
According to the Financial Times a monthly fee in the range of $1.99 could be applied individually to a range of 50 YouTube channels.
YouTube’s channel partners range from the established BBC Worldwide, RTE, Channel 4 and Russia Today through to Howcast, World Wrestling Entertainment, Top Shop and The RSA.
It is not clear which if any of these may choose to impose a fee, though it may help unlock content that is currently available on established subscription and VOD services.
YouTube is trying to leave behind the image of Charlie bit my finger and user generated content and in the last 18 months has spent $200 million on seed funding for start-up channels.
By moving into subscription YouTube is effectively putting itself up against Netflix, Hulu and Amazon; and the cable/satellite VOD services that have been so keen to run YouTube alongside their established subscription points.
