Google Plans YouTube Subscription Service
Google plans to offer a subscriber version of YouTube sometime later this year, letting viewers see ad-free videos. Revenue from the new feature will be shared with video creators, according to a letter sent to them and posted online by Bloomberg. The service may debut by the end of the year, Bloomberg reported.
"By creating a new paid offering, we'll generate a new source of revenue that will supplement your fast growing advertising service," the letter said.
Google introduced a subscription-style music service within YouTube in November, and has been trying to boost original content on the video website, which has more than 1 billion monthly viewers. With ad-free subscriptions, Google is moving closer to competing with streaming services, including the new HBO Now.
YouTube will offer all the same videos without ads for a monthly fee, which hasn't been set yet, according to the note. The service is also likely to include offline access.