YouTube is close to launching its VoD content offer
YouTube is set to launch its ad-funded VoD content offer next month.
The Google-owned site is currently in talks with major broadcasters, including ITV, Channel 4 and Five about the possibility of hosting full programmes on the video-sharing site, according to reports.
It is understood that YouTube wants to launch before rival offerings hit the market, such as Hulu – NBC Universal and News Corp’s US Online TV platform – and Arqiva’s SeeSaw, which has been formed since the collapse of Project Kangaroo.
YouTube currently streams user-generated video content of up to 10 minutes in the UK. However, it launched longer video formats in the US a year ago after agreeing content deals with partners such as CBS and Sony Pictures. The company now hopes to replicate its US success with longer-form content in the UK.
It is not yet clear who will sell ads around the content, however, last week reports suggested that Channel 4 was close to signing a contract that would see it sell its own advertising around C4 content on the site.
YouTube is thought to be looking for at least 30% of the advertising revenue from the deal, which will allow viewers to watch C4 programmes in full for a catch-up period of 30 days if it goes ahead.