Google may be bringing pay-to-view channels to YouTube.
New code found in version 4.3.9 suggests that YouTube will begin rolling out paid channels soon. This news comes after rumors suggested that the video website would start offering the option. The code, while short, proves that the new model is coming to YouTube, maybe even as early as April.
The code is brief, but it proves that the rumors are true:
“You can only subscribe to this paid channel on your computer.
You can only unsubscribe from this paid channel on your computer.”
As the code, discovered by Android Police, suggests, these paid channels appear to only be available on PCs and not on YouTube’s mobile app. YouTube told AdAge last month that it was reaching out to some channel producers, suggesting they apply for and develop paid channels. Subscriptions to YouTube channels will cost about $1 to $5 per month.
The AdAge article said that the company is also considering using the pay-to-view model for access to live events, content libraries of old shows, self help channels and financial advice shows.
“We have long maintained that different content requires different types of payment models,” YouTube said in a statement. “The important thing is that, regardless of the model, our creators succeed on the platform. There are a lot of our content creators that think they would benefit from subscriptions, so we’re looking at that.”
The move to paid content is speculated to be an attempt to bring cable programs to YouTube: specifically, shows whose viewership is too low to justify being broadcast on cable, but still retain a small, but devoted following. Another type of show suited for this pay-to-view model could be specific-hobby-oriented shows devoted to cooking or small-audience sports. The new model could also be powerful for unsigned talent looking to sustain their self-produced content.
According to the AdAge article, the revenue split will be close to 45-55, similar to its current ad split. These producers will also have the option to display ads in their channels.
