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YouTube shows off some upcoming features for video creators
YouTube's always placed huge levels of importance on its community, starting with the people who regularly upload content to the platform. Now, to make things better for video creators, the Google-owned service has revealed a list of features that are in the works. Most notably, YouTube is set to introduce a new ranking system for comments; improved, more customizable notifications for subscribers; and the ability for channel owners to manage their videos settings, like monetization options, from the mobile app. YouTube says it will also be enhancing its 360-degree video and live-streaming features, with the goal being to let creators easily setup and manage those tools.
YouTube's One Channel becoming the standard next month, cut-off date set for June 5th
A few months have gone by since YouTube began testing its "One Channel" redesign in a private beta, after which Google allowed curious users to voluntarily opt in. But while some have been experiencing the next version of the site's design for awhile now, YouTube is about to make the transition mandatory. Starting June 5th, Google will flip the switch on the One Channel theme across the whole site. YouTube believes this is a good thing for all, as it's noticed a 20-percent page view increase on channels that have already opted in. For impatient folks who can't wait until next month, you can make your own One Channel now via the "opt in" link at the source below.
YouTube Japan adds new 'original content' channels: trains, horror and drawing on faces
We've seen our fair share of out-there Japan TV programming -- and that looks likely to increase. YouTube has struck a deal with 13 companies that will add original shows and videos to the constantly-growing Japanese library, new videos promised daily. There's a pretty broad array of partners, with a slight focus on comedy and pop-culture, which should mean a shorter language hurdle for us occasional global viewers. Into high-speed trains? There's a whole channel dedicated to the Land of the Rising Sun's unsung tech export. We've got Catherine The Thirteenth (computer-generated chat show host, obviously) discussing the convenience of iPads after the break, but if we had a say in future channels, it'd throw in more mechanized beetle tanks and robot hotplate chefs.
BBC announces YouTube original content channels for science, nature
Hot on the heels of YouTube's launch of 60 new original content channels, the BBC has announced that it will be partnering with Google's video service to present two of those. The UK broadcaster said it will introduce a nature channel, with content coming from its BBC Earth Productions unit, and a science channel featuring Top Gear presenter James May "and his crack team of scientists." The new portals will come online in 2013, and "Auntie Beeb" has also redesigned its six current YouTube stations and added new clips from Top Gear (season 18) and other original programs, too. All that comes along at the same time as the refreshed iPlayer -- another way the company's been creative with technology, lately.
YouTube advances cash for 60 more original channels in Europe and the US
Google pulls in nearly $2 billion a year in YouTube advertising revenue, but that's still a drop in the bucket compared to the $60 billion earned by broadcast networks. To rely less on viral cat videos or "Gangnam Style" breakouts, the company has announced that it's advanced funds to content producers like Jamie Oliver and Michael Cera to create 60 new original channels in France, the UK, Germany and the US. That's in addition to the 100 channels it already created last year, and Mountain View also said it would take that original launch up a notch in 2013 by providing even more funds to the most successful efforts by artists like Jay Z and Amy Poehler. The company didn't say exactly how much cash would be raining down to all those channels stateside or abroad, but considering the amount it recently spent just marketing them, you may want to pull the trigger on that new cinema camera, after all.
YouTube will kick in an extra $200 million to market new channels
Google's about to expand its original content experiment by spreading another $200 million around marketing its new video channels, as it announced in May. The original $150 million, which created nearly 100 new YouTube channels with notables like Amy Poehler and NBA Star Blake Griffin, apparently caught on with advertisers who were willing to pay a premium to appear alongside branded, non-crummy content. It's also popular with the creative set, who like the instant feedback and flexibility to take a show 180 degrees if needed in order to draw eyeballs. Mountain View could also possibly bring the more polished programs to French and British viewers by next year, according to WSJ sources. If it does, and you're on that side of the pond, you may want to get your pitch in order. Update: Google confirmed they won't be investing money on any new channels or production, as originally reported -- the $200 million is for marketing only.
Google TV YouTube app updated for better recommendations, search and sharing
It only makes sense that the Google TV initiative to increase personalization would extend to videos served up from its YouTube site, and now the official app has been updated to do just that. The new version brings recommendations meant to pull gems you might like out of the ever growing pile of content available, as well as a way to search between the new YouTube channels on your TV. Also users should notice improved video quality since the app will automatically try to play content at the best available resolution from the start, and if they find something interesting, it now supports +1 sharing to Google+. The new app is already live on Google Play, compatible devices should be pointed that way for the new experience.
