YouTube could start streaming free TV channels – the first test

YouTube has started testing a feature to watch TV channels for free. While various stations allow clippings of programs to be viewed on the platform, few make their content accessible 24 hours. The test is conducted with a small group of users in the United States.

The information was first anticipated by the Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by YouTube, which explained that it would put together a “center” to view the different channels, as is currently the case with channels traditional on network television.

In an effort to compete with platforms like Roku and Plex, YouTube thus seeks to “measure viewer interest.” If the new addition is welcomed by those testing it, it could apparently see a wider rollout before the end of the year.

first United States of America and then in other countries.

The percentage and the project

There will also be a slice for YouTube: around 45 percent of advertising revenueaccording to the report of wsj. That’s exactly the same percentage you get from advertising on YouTube videos made by content creators as well.

“YouTube is the one place viewers can find everything they’re looking for, and we’re always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination to find, watch, and more easily share the content that matters most to them“YouTube told specialist medium Gizmodo.

This is separate from the YouTube TV service, which charges a monthly fee for a variety of web-streaming TV channels available in the United States. It is also possible to buy movies and TV shows permanently through the YouTube interface.

YouTube has been experimenting with TV shows for a long time. Everything purchased can be accessed through the Google TV interface on YouTube while in March since last year they have been added to the platform numerous ad-supported programs.

This move is also a response to what other streaming platforms are doing. Roku and Plex, which also offer free TV channels with ads, join Netflix, which has introduced a more affordable tier with ads, and Disney Plus will do the same on March of this year.

This would expand traditional ways of watching television. While YouTube wants more eyes on its platform for as long as possible, its implementations go in the direction of expanding the platform and consequently the user base.

For example, late last year, the NFL and Google announced that they had reached an agreement to broadcast NFL Sunday Ticket games, which are out of business, in line with the season. 2023 via YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime channels exclusively in the United States.

The Sunday games (NFL Sunday Ticket) referred to by the association are those of the regular season that are not available to the spectator (off-market) due to their geographic location. Thanks to this agreement, fans in the United States will be able to follow their favorite teams and players wherever they live.

One more advantage to strengthen the company platform.