Google is set to launch a new subscription based service for specialist video channels on its online video sharing platform YouTube, as part of its efforts to move beyond its key advertising revenue stream and offer a wider range of content.
Anticipated to be launched within a week, the move would have up to 50 YouTube channels offering subscriptions to video content charged from $1.99 per month.
In addition, the subscription service is aimed at allowing channel operators to produce different content, including TV shows and films.
Originally, reports of Google’s subscription plans emerged during early 2013, claiming that subscriptions were extremely important as a tool to generate additional revenue streams for content creators.
Google has also incorporated code references to the feature in its Android app, while has spent more than $200m on advances to dozens of start-up channels since past 18 months.
The new channels have increased the number of YouTube users to 1bn, watching about six billion hours of videos per month.
YouTube’s channel partners include Howcast, World Wrestling Entertainment, The Onion and Machinima.
