YouTube account holders and creators recently received an email that suggests we shall all soon be able to watch YouTube videos ad-free, for a price. It’s a subscription concept. For an estimated $10 per month you can shut the ads out and store and view your favorite YouTube videos offline. The changes are slated to come into effect beginning June 15, 2015.
YouTube star: Felix’s (top right) channel has received seven billion hits since he launched it four years ago – and youTube says people like him could make more money using the new subscription service
This is a big step for YouTube. The strategy reflects what users have long demanded of the service. A YouTube spokeswoman was not very forthcoming on this yet-to-be named subscription package, but did say, “while we can’t comment on ongoing discussions, giving fans more choice to enjoy the content they love and creators more opportunity to earn revenue are always amongst our top priorities.”
Creators can also put their videos behind a paywall making them available only to paid subscribers. While this subscription service may help big channels reap rich dividends, YouTube will still corner 45% of the accrued subscription fees.
The offering may also include other lower-priced subscription packages better suited to the needs of individual viewers. Specific categories like music, children’s programming, etc. are also being mulled over.
YouTube has explored this monetizing route before with its music service category, Music Key, that is available ad-free for as low as $7.99 per month.
For now all we can do is wait. Position² will keep you updated. Watch this space.
