YouTube Red offers ad-free and Premium Content for Paid Subscribers

YouTube has announced a new monthly subscription service called YouTube Red that offers ad-free videos, YouTube only shows, offline saving, and background play.  Starting on October 28, U.S. visitors will be able to sign up for the new $9.99 monthly subscription that comes with a one month trial. As an additional benefit, YouTube Red subscribers will also receive a free subscription to Google Play Music.  The YouTube produced series and shows will not be available until next year. With subscription-only shows and no advertisements, it looks like YouTube is trying to compete with streaming companies like Netflix. The difference is that their shows will be filled with YouTube personalities and may not necessarily fit into the standard TV show mold that we are familiar with.
 

 

As a subscriber to YouTube red you will no longer see advertisements before, during, or after videos.  You will also be able to download videos to your mobile devices so that you can watch them without being connected to the Internet.  For mobile users, the YouTube apps for iOS and Android will also allow background play so that you can use other apps while listening to YouTube videos.

Along with this announcement, YouTube has stated that they will be producing shows available only to YouTube Red subscribers.  These shows will be produced by YouTube personalities and will most likely gear to a younger audience who is familiar to them.  Some of the shows that were announced for next year include:

• 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, 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.

Though it appears that YouTube is targeting a different audience than Netflix, with the power and deep pockets of Google behind them, it's possible that we may see more traditional shows produced for YouTube Red subscribers.