Free movie service to be launched on YouTube

YouTube has announced they will be launching a free movie service, with over 400 titles initially available.

The video website company have signed deals with UK service Blinkbox, along with US studios including Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, and MGM.

The new service will be found at www.youtube.com/movies, and will show a range of films, including Bollywood hits.

Donagh O’Malley, head of video partnerships at YouTube, said: “This is one of many efforts to ensure that people can find all the different kinds of video they want to see, from bedroom vlogs and citizen journalism reports to full-length films and TV shows.

“We hope film lovers enjoy the range of titles in this free library, whether catching up on a mainstream hit or delving into the vast archive of classic films from decades past.”

YouTube already provides access to television programmes through deals with Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Blinkbox currently charges from £1.99 for movies and TV shows, and the deal with YouTube will see around 165 titles being made available for free. Blinkbox will receive revenue from advertising around the site.

Michael Comish, Blinkbox chief executive, said: “The size and scope of YouTube’s audience is immense and this exciting tie-up allows us to reach film fans and potential users outside of our usual audience and helping us build on our already rapidly growing customer base.”