YouTube has announced that it will be making its YouTube Originals shows available for free, supported by adverts. Popular shows like Cobra Kai will now be accessible to a broader audience without the need for a YouTube Premium subscription.
At the moment, these shows are only available to people who subscribe to YouTube Premium. However, this new initiative aims to democratize access to YouTube Originals, making them available to everyone. You can see what they had to say about it below.
Today, we announced that all new YouTube Original series and specials will soon be available for fans around the world to watch for free with ads — just like they enjoy other content on the platform. And we are excited to confirm this includes the renewal of “Cobra Kai” for season three.
This gives advertisers more opportunities to engage with a broader audience, drive meaningful results, and align with top Hollywood talent and YouTube creators.
Expanding Access to Quality Content
This move by YouTube is a significant shift in its strategy to make high-quality content more accessible. Previously, YouTube Originals were a key selling point for YouTube Premium, a subscription service that offers ad-free viewing, background play, and access to YouTube Music. By making these shows available for free, YouTube is opening up its premium content to a much larger audience.
For instance, “Cobra Kai,” a series that has garnered a massive following, will now be available to millions of viewers who were previously unable to access it. This not only increases the show’s viewership but also enhances its cultural impact. Other popular YouTube Originals like “Impulse,” “Step Up: High Water,” and “Wayne” are also expected to benefit from this broader accessibility.
Opportunities for Advertisers
The decision to support YouTube Originals with adverts presents a lucrative opportunity for advertisers. With a broader audience now able to access these shows, advertisers can reach a more diverse and extensive viewer base. This is particularly appealing for brands looking to align themselves with high-quality content and popular YouTube creators.
Advertisers will have the chance to place their ads alongside premium content, which can drive more meaningful engagement and results. For example, a brand advertising during an episode of “Cobra Kai” can expect to reach a highly engaged audience that is invested in the show’s storyline and characters. This level of engagement is often more valuable than traditional advertising methods.
Moreover, this move aligns YouTube with other streaming platforms that offer ad-supported content, such as Hulu and Peacock. By providing a free, ad-supported tier, YouTube is positioning itself as a competitive player in the streaming market, offering viewers more choices and flexibility.
Future Prospects and Viewer Experience
Looking ahead, this strategy could pave the way for more innovative content distribution models. YouTube may explore hybrid models that combine free, ad-supported content with premium, ad-free options. This would cater to different viewer preferences and maximize revenue streams.
For viewers, this change means more access to high-quality content without the barrier of a subscription fee. However, it also means that they will need to watch ads, which could affect the viewing experience. YouTube will need to strike a balance between ad frequency and viewer satisfaction to ensure that the experience remains enjoyable.
In conclusion, YouTube’s decision to make its Originals available for free with ads is a win-win for both viewers and advertisers. It democratizes access to premium content, increases viewership, and provides advertisers with valuable opportunities to engage with a broader audience. As this initiative rolls out, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of content consumption on YouTube.
You can find out more details about the plan to bring these original shows to more users by supporting them with adverts at the link below.
Source: YouTube
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