YouTube launches pay-to-watch subscription channels

YouTube has launched a trial scheme for paid channels on its website, which start at £0.64 per month.

Today, there are more than one million channels generating revenue on YouTube – a topic discussed in depth at this year’s Video Upfronts event.

Recent internet phenomenon Gangnam Style alone generated ad revenue of £5.2 million for YouTube.

53 pilot channels have been revealed so far, with diverse content that targets a range of audiences, from children to motorcycle enthusiasts.

The channels are available across a number of platforms including tablet devices and TVs.

The online video giant – which has over 1 billion unique user visits every month – has said that it plans to run the pilot channels for a few weeks before rolling out the subscription programme more widely in the coming weeks as a self-service feature for qualifying partners.

“This is just the beginning,” said a YouTube spokesperson in the company’s latest blog post. “Just as the partner program empowered creators to take their channels to the next level, we look forward to seeing how this great community of creators moves ahead with a new way to reach the fan communities that made their channels a hit.”