Having been much rumored in recent weeks, YouTube has finally pulled the trigger on launching paid channels. The subscription based channels start at a monthly rate of $0.99 and all come with a 14 day free trial period. Best of all, once subscribed the channels are available to enjoy on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV beyond the browser on your Mac.
This is because the paid channels add to your list of subscribed channels, right along side your non-paid channel subscriptions. So, when you fire up your Apple TV, the paid channels will be right there to watch on the big screen. There aren't many channels to choose from at the moment -- just 53 at present -- but the programme is in its pilot stage, and YouTube has said they hope to launch more paid channels in the near future. UFC has a channel at launch, which is sure to be popular and has a whole host of classic matches to view as well.
Paying for content on YouTube may seem a little crazy, but the service has expanded far beyond grumpy cat and crying baby videos. Already there is a lot of premium content on YouTube, and the paid channel partners will have to deliver premium content to succeed. But, since we already pay for content in so many other places, YouTube is no different so long as the quality is there. And if a guaranteed pay day means we get better videos, it's a positive move.
There will be skeptics, for sure, but it's also worth asking ourselves whether or not we have room in our lives for another pay-to-view video on-demand service. In a world full of Netflix, Hulu Plus, LOVEFiLM and Amazon Instant Video, we're already pretty well catered for in the subscription space. But, YouTube is a well established, globally available video platform, so potentially its reach is greater than those other services combined.
It's a bold move, but not a totally unexpected one. Personally, I'm not too concerned who I'm paying for my content, just so long as I get it. YouTube isn't without its problems, but the name is synonymous with online video so there is big potential providing the execution is done right.
So, are you willing to pay for YouTube content? Can you add another subscription based service into your life? How about the current channels; if you've subscribed to one already, what do you think? Jump into the comments and let us know!
Source: YouTube
