YouTube is in advanced talks that would lead to the creation of an online marketplace for streaming channels.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the platform, referred to internally as a Channel Store, had been in the works for 18 months and could launch as soon as the autumn.
In the United States, YouTube offers subscribers a cable-like bundle for $64.99 to which it’s possible to then add premium services such as HBO Max.
The idea is not exactly new, similar services are already up and running through Amazon and Roku, but the move would be a way to prevent YouTube from becoming ‘just another app’ on streaming devices. Typically, the platform operator will receive a sum from any channel that participates and then sells a subscription. Such deals vary, depending on the partner.
YouTube is not the only party interested in expanding its offer, Comcast’s Peacock is looking at opening up its platform to third parties while supermarket giant Wallmart is examining how it could add streaming services to its loyalty programme.