Free YouTube ad-supported TV channels are nearing
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, free YouTube ad-supported tv channels are being tested to feature content from specific media platforms. There will be a “hub” where users are able to select what they’d like to watch, which is akin to services like Pluto TV, Roku’s Live TV channels, or the built-in experiences integrated into Samsung, LG, and Vizio smart TVs.
WSJ’s report also stated that 45 percent of the generated ad revenue will belong to YouTube. That’s the same amount they currently take from the advertising run on content creator videos which are hosted on their platform. YouTube’s goal here is to “gauge viewer interest”, as stated by yours truly. The new feature might become enabled sooner for more users later this year if testing turns out to be more well-received.
“YouTube is the only place where viewers can find everything they want and we’re always looking for new ways to provide viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch, and share the content that matters most to them,” YouTube told Gizmodo.
Although YouTube already has movies with ads, the free YouTube ad-supported TV channels may provide users a wider selection of free movies and television shows. According to Nielsen, YouTube already has the largest percentage of TV viewing time among US streaming providers. It topped Netflix for the third consecutive month in November with a view time of 8.8 percent.
While YouTube ad-supported TV channels undergo testing, other streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Peacock are introducing free or lower-cost ad-supported tiers. No complaints from our end, as streaming services are becoming more accessible each and every year.