As ad blockers continue to become a more prevalent force, streaming services like Spotify and Hulu have rolled out subscription options for users who want to have an ad-free experience with their content. We’ve known that YouTube’s ad-free version has been on its way for some time, but now we have an official launch date and a name. YouTube Red will provide users that ad-free service they have been wanting for $9.99 a month starting October 28th. The service will extend across devices and other YouTube services like YouTube Music and YouTube Gaming and will even enable users to watch this content offline.
“For years, YouTube s fans have been telling us they want more more choice when watching their favorite content, more ways to support their favorite creators and, above all, the option to watch their favorite videos uninterrupted,” said YouTube in a blog post.
Along with the YouTube Red announcement, YouTube will also be launching a new YouTube Music app they say will “make discovering, watching and listening to music easier than ever.” From the sounds of it, the app looks to offer a personally curated music experience. “Any song or artist you choose on YouTube Music will start you on a personal journey through one of the richest music catalogs; just sign in, tap a track you love, and see where your music takes you.”
Perhaps the biggest thing of all, YouTube says they will be bringing their own content to YouTube Red, in a move similar to Netflix and Hulu’s approach to content. “Starting early next year, YouTube Red will get even better with member-only access to new, original shows and movies from some of YouTube s biggest creators.”
“Last year, we announced an initiative to invest in the creativity of our top YouTube stars. We wanted to give them an opportunity to realize some of their long-held creative ambitions by developing new content for YouTube,” YouTube goes on to say in a separate blog post. Here are the original series and movies announced today:
Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of The Walking Dead at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter asPewDiePie encounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.
Sing It!: From Fine Brothers Entertainment and Mandeville Films comes SING IT!, a scripted comedy that lovingly satirizes the reality singing competitions that have become a centerpiece of pop culture.
Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy from Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.
A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh as she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.
Untitled Joey Graceffa project: In this all-new reality adventure series, Joey Graceffa brings together an ensemble of top YouTubers for a murder mystery they’ll never forget. They’ll form alliances to survive, but little do they know that most won’t make it out alive.
360 Project from MatPat of Game Theory: YouTube educator and pop culture expert MatPat fromThe Game Theorists invites the audience to come along for the ride in an innovative new series and 360 VR experience. In each episode Matt explores the real-life science behind popular video games by throwing gamers into the high-stakes scenarios they play through every day, from water jetpacks to haunted pizzerias.
Single by 30: In this romantic drama series from Wong Fu Productions and New Form Digital, two high school best friends make a promise to get married if they re still single at 30. A decade later, with 30 quickly approaching, their attempt at upholding their vow unfolds in unexpected ways. Starring Harry Shum, Jr. and Kina Grannis.
Untitled CollegeHumor project: Written by and starring the cast of CollegeHumor, along with special guests, this new anthology series will take a dark and comedic look at the absurdity of Internet culture.
Fight of the Living Dead: In an unprecedented social experiment reality show from Alpine Labs, Fight of the Living Dead takes popular YouTube talent and traps them in a frighteningly realistic zombie apocalypse. They must use their instincts and gaming skills to survive as they battle the elements for the ultimate prize of survival.
I Am Tobuscus: From the mind of Toby Turner, {link no longer active} this scripted comedy explores the world of a self-involved YouTube creator pursuing bigger stardom. The show features original music, and satirizes the hilarious details of being an eccentric, new-age celebrity.
Still, pre-roll ads aren’t going anywhere anytime soon: “Don t worry! The free, ad-supported version of YouTube we all know and love isn t going anywhere.” But with YouTube offering a free one-month trial of the service, undoubtedly, many of its users will be opting in to the program.
What this means in the long-term for advertising on YouTube remains to be seen, but as brands are shifting their strategies to be more native on platforms, YouTube Red will almost certainly add to the urgency.
