Anyone else remember that wonderful time when you didn’t have to watch a 15-30 second ad before any YouTube video? Yes, there was a time when commercials weren’t everywhere. We’re going to be returning to it, but it won’t be free. Google is poised to try to make YouTube a little more like Netflix and Hulu with YouTube Red, a subscription service.
Google thinks people will pay a monthly fee to watch videos on YouTube without ads. Subscribing will also allow you to save videos for offline viewing, as well as premium access to YouTube Gaming and Music. In 2016, YouTube Red will also offer original programming from personalities like PewPieDie, who will host a show called, “Scare PewPieDie.”
There are some downsides. Google has already said that people who stream and receive money from ads, but don’t sign a revenue share deal, will have their videos hidden away from both YouTube and YouTube Red users. People will only be able to access those videos via direct links.
Also, there’s the cost. YouTube Red will be $9.99 a month. However, if someone subscribes through an iOS in-app purchase, it will be $12.99 because Apple needs to get its cut.
YouTube Red will begin on October 28.
Source: Official YouTube Blog , Techcrunch