The BBC is preparing to announce a new agreement with YouTube that would see the public broadcaster commission bespoke programmes for the platform for the first time, in a significant change to its distribution strategy.
Under the deal, first reported by the Financial Times, new YouTube-premiered content would later be made available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, with advertising sold against the programmes outside the UK to generate additional revenue. In the UK, the BBC does not run advertising against its public service content on third-party platforms.
The move is aimed squarely at younger audiences, with programming understood to include BBC Three-style factual and entertainment formats, alongside children’s content and sports-led output. News formats are also expected to be developed for YouTube as the BBC continues to position itself as a trusted source against the misinformation often found on social formats.
The agreement is expected to span both the BBC’s domestic public service operation and BBC Studios, formalising elements of the commercial arm’s existing relationship with YouTube. A limited selection of archive series could also be made available, though this is not thought to be the main focus.
The partnership comes as YouTube’s UK reach continues to expand. In December, YouTube viewing in the UK overtook the BBC’s combined channels, underlining the competitive pressure from global streamers and online video platforms.
Channel 4 already runs a number of YouTube formats, while the BBC Studio-owned UKTV operates two dedicated YouTube channels.
