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Coming this spring, YouTube will be adding experimental, premium
subscription channels which viewers will pay for. The subscription fees
will initially range from $1 to $5 a month. YouTube has called on a
group of unconfirmed channel producers to create purchasable channels
for viewers. For those of you who are nervous or skeptical about this
idea, rest assured, you will not be paying for your regular YouTube
account. There will simply be additional channels that will become
optional.
The Process
This new path within YouTube’s video platform is an attempt to entice
their audience to switch from cable companies to a more a la carte
style of viewing. You all know how costly cable and satellite
subscriptions can become. Often, the viewer desires specific channels
that will significantly increase the cost. For example, sports fans may
only be interested in the sports package, but will also have to purchase
a long list of other channels in order to get their favorite games.
This also pertains to movie channels and other special networks. This
new paid subscription option will allow you to pay for what you want to
watch, and nothing more. Youtube will bring you specialized channels at a
much lower cost than satellite and cable companies, since you won’t be
receiving a bulk of unwanted channels.
The Application
While YouTube is still considering this as an experimental project,
the idea is not a new one for this video platform. Last year at
AllThingsD media conference, YouTube CEO Salar Kamanger, discussed the
potential of poaching lesser cable networks that find it difficult to
accumulate a large audience on cable TV. Taking these types of channels
online could create a direct line for their committed viewers, with a
much lower fee.
At this point it is unclear which channels will be included in the
launch of the paid programs; however it is speculated that YouTube may
be leaning towards developers such as Machinima, Maker Studios, and Full
Screen. All of which have proved the ability to draw large followings
in the video realm. The exact launch date for the new paid channels have
yet to be announced, but it’s been said they may be introduced sometime
in April.
As the consumer, what are your opinions on paying for premium YouTube channels?
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