YouTube Reportedly Working on a Video-on-Demand Subscription Service

YouTube, after bringing support for 360-degree videos to Android and the desktop, is now reported to be exploring a video-on-demand (VOD) subscription plan similar to the recently unveiled YouTube Music Key.

Google has not yet announced any information about the YouTube video subscription option. The Variety cites an unnamed executive from a YouTube partner firm that said the Google property is "exploring the prospect of launching its own subscription VOD service." The VOD subscription service is said to follow the YouTube Music Key model, which provides ad-free videos and free Google Play Music access for $7.99 per month. The upcoming service is said to be ad-free and include several YouTube Stars under the YouTube Originals channel.

The source added that YouTube had reached out to partners late last year about a VOD subscription licensing deal, adding the Google-owned video site had threatened if the partner did not meet the terms of the service it would be denied any future ad revenue.

The reported move by YouTube is said to be a result of pressure from competitors like Vimeo, Hulu, Vessel and more, which are working on bringing more YouTube Stars and video makers to host videos on their websites for more attractive advertising revenue and even exclusive retainers.

YouTube entered a new market segment to expand its reach worldwide, last month. Google in February launched the YouTube Kids app for Android and iOS platforms. The YouTube Kids app, designed for "curious little minds", provides age-appropriate videos, channels, and playlists for the young ones. Google says that the app has taken out the complicated stuff and uses big buttons, easy scrolling, and instant full-screen interface for kids to navigate easily.

The firm last month was also reported to be testing its personalised YouTube Radio feature similar to YouTube Mix, with the primary difference that the radio feature is meant to stream videos non-stop and also allow for personalisation.