The site is planning to launch YouTube Red on 28 October.
YouTube has announced it’ll be implementing an ads-free version of the site for viewers. Set to launch in the US on 28 October (TBA in other countries), the new service will allow visitors to watch videos, without interruption and across all devices, for a monthly fee of $9.99. The move follows YouTube’s monestisation of content on mobile devices three years ago.
In a statement being sent out to YouTubers, the site explains: “To give fans more choice, we will be launching a new ads-free version of YouTube, available to fans for a monthly fee. This service will create a new source of revenue over time that supplements your advertising revenue. That’s why an overwhelming majority of our partners – representing over 95% of YouTube watchtime – have asked for and signed up for this service.”
Along with being able to view videos without interruption, users will also be able to view content offline or have it playing in the background, and will be given a subscription to Google Music. Also, starting in 2016, members will have access to exclusive content from the site’s biggest creators, including Scare PewDiePie, Felix Kjellberg‘s new reality show.
The site is giving creators until the 22 October deadline to sign a new terms of agreement following the announcement. If they fail to do so before the deadline, they lose monetisation on their videos in the United States. However, they can re-enable monetisation by navigating their Account Features page.
News of a possible ads-free version of YouTube began to appear earlier this year, with most YouTubers reacting negatively toward the concept. This was due to the fact that, for many creators, YouTube is their main source of income, so losing ad revenue would hurt both themselves and their channels. Dan Hardcastle later went on to make a video explaining the service and the negative consequences it would have for YouTubers.
Since Dan’s video, the terms have changed, with YouTube no longer privating the videos of those who don’t sign the new terms of agreement. Those who have monetised their videos will be receiving emails from YouTube about the new service over the coming weeks.
What is you opinion on YouTube’s new ads-free service? Do you think it’ll help or hurt YouTubers? Be sure to tweet us @TenEightyUK with your thoughts.
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Correction 22 October 2015: TenEighty has updated the article to include further details on YouTube Red.
