You will soon be able to watch YouTube Originals for free, as Google opens up its Originals content to advertisers and switches to an ad-supported model.
Earlier this year, YouTube announced that it would be switching to an ad-supported model for Originals content, but it wouldn’t be doing so before 2020. Now, YouTube is changing its strategy, and bringing ad-supported free Originals content to viewers within the year.
Starting in August, the first two seasons of Cobra Kai, a spinoff from cult 1980’s Karate Kid movies will be made available for free. Season 1, will begin on August 29 and will end on September 11. Season 2 will then be released on an episode-per-week basis, from September 11.
The decision to start with the show is due mainly to its popularity, with YouTube releasing the results of a survey calling Cobra Kai one of the most “in demand” digital series. Plans to include supernatural drama Impulse and comedy Liza On Demand, starring Liza Koshy, may also come to fruition soon.
YouTube also promises to make other Originals content ad-supported soon. As YouTube’s Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl said recently, “While every other media company is building a paywall, we are headed in the opposite direction.”
You might also like
More from Youtube
YouTube Adds Guided Support For Community Guideline Violations
YouTube has updated its review process to provide creators with specifics about the reportedly violative video and facilitate a resolution.
YouTube Announces #YouTubeBlack Voices Creator Class Of 2022
YouTube's second edition of its $100 million #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund has announced 135 worldwide winners.
YouTube Is Looking To Innovate Its Product Offering With NFTs And DAOs
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki hinted at the possibility that YouTube will expand its range of creator offerings to include NFTs.
YouTube Significantly Improves User Experience On TVs
Google has announced new features that improve the user experience on its TV app, to save users time when using …
YouTube Is Enhancing Its Studio Mobile App
YouTube Studio is bringing its mobile app in line with its desktop version for creators to better manage their channels …
YouTube Introduces New Tools And Features In Support Of Shorts
YouTube's product development team has announced the addition of several updates that will enhance the creation and experience of Shorts.
YouTube Launches Three New Creator Features
YouTube has expanded channel permissions, added customizable text in chapters and links to places mentioned in a video.
YouTube Lists Top 10 Best US Creators And Videos of 2021
Since end-of-year Rewind was canceled, YouTube is offering another way to celebrate 2021's most successful creators and their works.