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YouTube creates four original shows just for its Kids app
Now that YouTube has dipped its toes into the wild world of original programming, the company has plans to launch four new shows this spring aimed at children and pre-teens. The YouTube Kids app will get two live-action and two animated series starring some popular YouTube creators including DanTDM and the hosts of TheAtlanticCraft, with more series scheduled to debut throughout the year.
YouTube deal ends years-long fight over music videos in Germany
German music fans haven't had it easy in the past 7 years. A royalty dispute with music rights group GEMA has forced YouTube to block thousands of music videos in the country, leaving locals no choice but to either find alternative video sources or (gasp) settle for audio alone. At last, though, they can relax: GEMA and YouTube have reached a deal that makes sure GEMA members get paid for video streams. The exact terms of the deal aren't public, but it'll cover both the usual ad-supported free viewing as well as the eventual European launch of YouTube Red subscriptions.
YouTube's future pay-only shows include one from 'The Rock'
YouTube is more determined than ever to line up major original shows for its Red subscription service. The video giant has scored deals for three new exclusives from names you will definitely recognize. The highlight might just be Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Lifeline. Apart from its celebrity producer, the sci-fi series revolves around the intriguing (if Minority Report-like) concept of insurers who travel 33 days ahead in time to prevent the deaths of their customers.
Google hires industry vet Lyor Cohen as YouTube's head of music
In a music world where exclusives and direct ties to artists are increasingly important, Google is hoping to give YouTube a boost with its latest hire: Lyor Cohen. The former Def Jam president has most recently been heading up his 300 Entertainment label that started in 2013 with financial backing from companies that included Google. In a letter to employees, Cohen said he will continue running 300, which has been home to artists including Fetty Wap, Migos and Young Thug for another 60 days.
YouTube's subscription service keeps your kids' videos ad-free
It's nice that a YouTube Red subscription gives you ad-free and offline viewing, but wouldn't those features be more useful for keeping your kids entertained on your next vacation? YouTube agrees. You can now sign in to Red through the YouTube Kids app, giving junior viewers all the benefits without making them visit grown-up apps or sites. They won't see promos while watching their favorite show, and they can keep playing when they're stuck in the back of the car for a few hours. If they're music fans, they can switch apps while their tunes play in the background. You probably won't subscribe just for the Kids support, but it's a strong incentive for families.
YouTube Red's next originals include a 'Step Up' spinoff
YouTube just announced its second round of original series at VidCon 2016, and the biggest new series is a bit of a surprise. That would be Step Up, which will bring a "heart-pounding, sexy, music-filled and dramatic look at dancers in a contemporary performing arts school." Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan co-starred in the original movie (there have been five), and are among those listed as producers, and with the popularity of dance videos on YouTube it could be a good fit. Returning for second seasons are high profile originals Scare PewDiePie and Foursome, while the Smosh crew is bringing an as-yet untitled movie project.
YouTube acquires BandPage to help drive Red subscriptions
YouTube announced on Friday that it is acquiring BandPage, a platform that acts as a homepage of sorts for musicians. BandPage originally designed landing tabs on Facebook for musicians but lost most of its traffic after the social site redesigned its timelines in 2012. It's since become an independent platform that bands use to showcase themselves as well as sell concert tickets and merchandise. It's free to use though the company does take a 15 percent cut of all transactions.
The first YouTube Red Originals are now available
YouTube Red, Google's ad-free premium version of the video streaming site, has released its first four attempts at original programming, right on time. As you'd expect, the initial crop of videos feature some of the service's biggest personalities, including PewDiePie and Lilly Singh. Also included are Rooster Teeth's feature-length movie Lazer Team and AwesomenessTV's Dance Camp.
YouTube plans to add movies and TV shows to subscription service
When YouTube took the wraps off its Red subscription service, the video website confirmed that it's developing a number of original shows. Now, a new report by the The Wall Street Journal says you can also expect to see movies and TV series among Red's offerings. The Alphabet Inc. property has reportedly begun meeting with Hollywood studios and production companies in an effort to secure streaming rights. YouTube's execs, including former MTV programming chief Susanne Daniels and former Netflix content executive Kelly Merryman, haven't been snapping just up any old show you can watch everywhere else, though. They've apparently been looking for content that can be seen exclusively on Red, or those that can be streamed on Red at the same time they're shown on TV or in the theatres.
