It’s a simple question – would you pay to stream an episode of a TV show on YouTube? It would cost the same as on iTunes and Amazon but it would be a one-off rental deal, with no download or ownership option. Well, would you?
YouTube Diversifying
Yesterday I wrote about how YouTube was launching its first ever offline advertising campaign in the U.K. Meant to promote the new TV content from Channel 4 and other broadcasters, it clearly spelled out YouTube’s intentions to succeed with professional content.
Now, just a day later and MediaMemo is claiming that YouTube is in early negotiations with networks and studios about offering shows through YouTube for a price. This comes three months after similar reports emerged but with movies being the order of the day.
First Movies, Now TV?
Nothing more concrete has emerged about the alleged movie rentals coming to YouTube but it now appears TV rentals could be added to the mix as well.
According to “sources”, Google is changing tact after having somewhat failed to gain much in the way of advertising-backed TV content. What there is tends to be archive and very scattered.
So instead, in an effort to appeal to content owners, YouTube wants to offer new shows which would be available to stream for free. The only difference is instead of advertising, viewers would be charged for the privilege, with $1.99-per-episode mooted.
Apple, Hulu Plans
While innovative for YouTube, it appears the Google-owned site could have healthy competition should this happen.
Apple is thought to be eyeing a subscription package which would make a host of TV content available to watch for $30 a month. But it’s reliant on persuading enough content providers to sign up to make the asking price attractive.
Hulu is preparing to begin charging for certain aspects of the site. Although it seems likely there will always be a free, advertising-based option, the company is looking to charge for content after pressure from Rupert Murdoch and money-hungry execs.
Conclusions
My opening paragraph is the all-important question on this topic because whether or not these plans are successful both for YouTube and the television networks licensing their content to the Google-owned site depends entirely on consumer choice.
I personally cannot see it working unless the shows are bang up-to-date and aired immediately after broadcast, and the price is lowered. It would also help if this were a worldwide offering rather than being limited to the United States but the chances of that are zero.
