You may soon be able to watch TV channels on YouTube for free, as the feature is currently being tested with a small group of users in the US. That 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) Later confirmed by YouTube, the channels are centralized in a central hub, allowing viewers to choose what to watch and sign up with different content partners.
The idea is to “gauge viewer interest,” according to YouTube’s statement. If the newly added feature is well received by testers, it will apparently be rolled out more widely sometime later this year.
a central destination
YouTube will also cut ad revenue by 45%, according to the Wall Street Journal. This is the exact same amount that content creators earn with YouTube video ads.
“YouTube is the only place where viewers can find everything they want, and 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,” YouTube tells Gizmo (opens in a new tab).
This is separate from the YouTube TV service, which requires a monthly fee in exchange for a variety of TV channels streamed over the web. Movies and TV shows can also be purchased permanently through the YouTube interface.
Analysis: TV keeps changing
YouTube has actually been experimenting with TV shows for a long time.Anything purchased through the Google TV interface can be accessed on YouTube, with many ad-supported programming added to the platform March last year (opens in a new tab).
The move is also a response to what other streaming platforms are doing. We’ve already mentioned Roku and Plex, which also offer free TV with ads, Netflix with a cheaper ad-supported package, and Disney Plus doing the same in March.
Add in all the traditional TV viewing that’s still in place, and viewers have a ton of choice when it comes to what to watch (and how to watch it) — whether it’s live TV or specific shows.
Of course, YouTube wants to capture 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 innovation recently introduced to broaden YouTube’s appeal.
