Google’s popular video arm is said to be looking to take on Netflix directly by streaming regular TV shows and movies.
YouTube launched its new subscription video service, YouTube Red, towards the end of October. Now it seems to be looking to bolster that offering by adding traditional content to the mix.
According to The Wall Street Journal, YouTube is looking to acquire the rights to a range of TV series and movies, which would carry it firmly into competition with Netflix and Amazon – as if it wasn’t already.
It seems YouTube executives have been meeting with Hollywood studios and production companies in recent months. The goal has been to negotiate licenses, as well as to consider pitches for fresh content.
Such a report doesn’t come as much of surprised when you consider the online video company’s moves over the past year or so. Besides establishing a subscription model, earlier in the year YouTube hired former president of programming for MTV Susanne Daniels. She followed the hiring of former Netflix content executive Kelly Merryman.
Related: YouTube Red should worry Spotify more than Netflix
Both have apparently been involved in this latest round of talks with America’s TV and movie production elite.
There’s no specific information on the type of content YouTube is looking to license, and talks would appear to be in the early stages. It’s already known that YouTube is looking to create original TV content, which is another area in which it will face up to Netflix and Amazon.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
