YouTube Set to Launch Pay-Per-View Service

It has been reported that video site YouTube has been in contact with a variety of channels to discuss talks of a “pay-per-view” idea much like we find with Sky and live events. YouTube are hoping to do something very similar, charging for live events such as concerts and boxing fights. They may also start to charge for older episodes of television programmes.

This could be a vital strategic step for YouTube adding a streaming service which we know they are more than capable of doing. In the past we’ve seen YouTube cover live events with viewers flocking in by the thousands, with the video site not flummoxing one bit.

The news of a pay-per-view service came about after snippets of code were found in the latest YouTube app update detailing the following:

<string name=”paid_channel_subscribe_message”>You can only subscribe to this paid channel on your computer.</string>

<string name=”paid_channel_unsubscribe_message”>You can only unsubscribe from this paid channel on your computer.</string>

Simply put, the above code reflects two buttons which will allow you to subscribe/unsubscribe from certain pay-per-view channels.

Other talks from YouTube include a slightly different type of streaming service, with rumours floating around about a similar streaming service to Spotify, opening up a whole world of entertainment for viewers and listeners alike. Spotify has become a big hit as of late with the inclusion of 4G on mobile phones and users streaming direct to their phones while connected to their in-car entertainment system.

With both the pay-per-view video and audio streaming services, we could see a big rival for the likes of NetFlix, LOVEFiLM and Spotify and if anyone can make it happen and to make it happen big, then of course it’s YouTube, who already dominate so many markets with its backing of Google at the helm.

YouTube have the facility to hit the market in a huge way with desktop and mobile versions including apps to develop this functionality quickly while making it affordable for the user. Only time will tell as to when and if these ventures go ahead, but it should be a very exciting time and is something that we will definitely be keeping our eyes on.