YouTube is a special platform. As a social network, it competes with platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. But at the same time, since it is a video streaming platform, it also competes with VOD giants, such as Netflix or Disney+. Moreover, in recent years, YouTube has continued to expand the type of content offered, in order to compete with other streaming platforms, or even television.
For example, in the USA, YouTube already offers its YouTube TV service, a paid subscription that gives access to TV channels. In its home market, YouTube also offers a platform that allows you to use subscriptions from other streaming services like Showtime, Starz or Paramount+ without leaving its application. And currently, there is even a small catalog of films accessible on YouTube, free of charge, but with advertising.
Free movies and series on YouTube
To capture a little more of the traditional TV audience, YouTube could soon start streaming free TV channels, but with advertising. This is what is revealed by a recent article published by the Wall Street Journal, and relayed by our colleagues from Engadget. The existence of a test for this new YouTube platform has been confirmed by Google. “We’re always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them”we read in a press release from the company, relayed by the WSJ.
It is not clear in what form the new service will be offered, if the tests are conclusive. But the American media indicates that YouTube could launch a type of service called FAST, or “Free streaming television supported by advertising”. And the operation of this platform could be comparable to Pluto TV’s streaming offer. This site provides access to free channels, and provides access to a catalog of films and series.
Should the competition be worried?
As part of its test, YouTube would have partnered with Lionsgate, A + E Networks, and FilmRise. Future YouTube partners would have, thanks to this platform of free TV channels, a way to generate income through their old content which, without this type of service, would no longer generate much. It remains to be seen whether YouTube will launch this new feature on its platform after the test, and whether it will be offered in Europe.
YouTube would be in direct competition with Pluto TV, and other sites like Tubi or Roku, in the American market. But the presence of an extensive catalog of free movies and series on YouTube could also worry the giants Netflix and Disney. In any case, as mentioned above, YouTube is now attacking television. Moreover, in the country of Uncle Sam, he has also started broadcasting live sports. Indeed, YouTube has acquired the rights to broadcast NFL (American Football League) games.
