YouTube Set to Introduce Paid Subscriptions This Spring

[Brandon J.F.]

YouTube Set to Introduce Paid Subscriptions This Spring
A New Revenue Model For TV Networks and Video Producers

A new chapter in online video is about to begin. YouTube is prepping to launch paid subscriptions for individual channels on its video platform in its latest attempt to lure content producers, eyeballs, and advertiser dollars away from traditional TV, according to multiple people familiar with the plans.


YouTube has reached out to a small group of channel producers and asked them to submit applications to create channels that users would have to pay to access. As of now it appears that the first paid channels will cost somewhere between $1 and $5 a month, two of these people said. In addition to episodic content, YouTube is also considering charging for content libraries and access to live events, a la pay-per-view, as well as self-help or financial advice shows.


It's not clear which channels will be part of the first paid-subscription rollout, but it is believed that YouTube will lean on the media companies that have already shown the ability to develop large followings on the video platform, including networks like Machinima, Maker Studios and Fullscreen. YouTube is also looking outside its current roster of partners for candidates.

Read the rest here: http://adage.com/article/digital/youtube-set-introduce-paid-subscriptions-spring/239437/

 

[Björn Benckert]

But is it 4k?

 

[Brandon J.F.]

But is it 4k?

Yes

I downloaded the 4k mp4 for this video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vUWrbBjPM8

Here are the details for the video encoding:

 

[Jake Bastian]

Partners will also have the option to include ads in their pay channels, but its unclear what form those will take.

Hopefully it will take the form of cheaper HBO shows subsidized by ad dollars