YouTube Launching SVOD Service
21 Oct, 2015 By: Erik GruenwedelYouTube Red subscription will include gaming app, pending YouTube Music and access to Google Play Music
YouTube is synonymous with online video. Its user-generated videos generate the most monthly traffic (more than 1 billion viewers) of any website in the world. The Google-owned site has also quietly developed a cast of YouTube personalities (i.e. Justin Bieber, Michelle Phan) over the years, many of whom feature prominently in original programming.
Oct. 28 Google will bow YouTube Red, a $9.99 monthly SVOD service (following a free 30-day trial) featuring proprietary and third-party content from a variety of sources.
“It’s a major, major evolution of our business,” Robert Kyncl, chief business officer at YouTube, said at a Los Angeles press event. “Consumers are embracing paid subscriptions for ad-free content at an incredible pace. This marks an evolution in our desire to give fans more choice and features that they love.”
The launch is not YouTube's first foray into subscription-based content. In 2013, it launched third-party based SVOD channels that charged from 99 cents monthly for access. Notable channels included Lionsgate's BeFit featuring fitness trainers Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin, Jane Fonda, among others. It has generated more than 1 million subscribers.
Original YouTube Red programing includes:
“Scare PewDiePie,” a reality-adventure series from the creator of “The Walking Dead,” featuring Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg (PewDiePie), a Swedish Web-based comedian with 10 billion views, best known for his "Let's Play" commentaries and vlogs on YouTube.
“Sing It!,” a scripted comedy satirizing the reality singing competitions that have become a centerpiece of pop culture.
“Lazer Team,” a feature-length action-comedy about four small-town losers stumbling upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo.
“A Trip to Unicorn Island” is feature-length movie look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh, a Canadian vlogger, comedian, rapper, actress and motivational speaker, as she embarks on a 26-city global tour.
Reality adventure series “Untitled Joey Graceffa project.”
“360 Project” from YouTube educator and pop culture expert MatPat, who invites the audience to come along for a 360-degree virtual reality experience. In each episode Matt explores the real-life science behind popular video games by throwing gamers into the high-stakes scenarios they play through every day, from water jetpacks to haunted pizzerias.
In romantic drama series “Single by 30,” two high school friends make a promise to get married if they’re still single at 30. A decade later, with 30 quickly approaching, their attempt at upholding their vow unfolds in unexpected ways. Starring Harry Shum Jr. and Kina Grannis.
“Untitled CollegeHumor project” is an anthology series written by and starring the cast of taking a dark and comedic look at the absurdity of Internet culture.
“Fight of the Living Dead,” is yet another reality show taking popular YouTube talent and trapping them in a frighteningly realistic zombie apocalypse.
“I Am Tobuscus” is a scripted comedy exploring the world of a self-involved YouTube creator Toby Turner. The show features original music, and satirizes the details of being an eccentric, new-age celebrity.