YouTube is reportedly testing a new free, ad-supported service: streaming TV channels. According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, the company is currently in talks with various production houses and companies with the aim of bringing programs, films and entire broadcasters on its platform.
For the moment, the novelty is being tested for a small number of users as confirmed by a YouTube spokesperson.
The service, which would be free for users and financed by advertising interludes, would lead the company, part of the Alphabet group, the same as Google, to become a full-fledged television broadcaster but on the web.
Not new in terms of content, given that it is already possible to view films and shows through the Google TV platform, by subscribing to a periodic fee or a one-time purchase, but it would be an absolute first in the proposal of live channels, just like for Roku and similar projects, including Samsung Plus.
According to sources in the Journal, YouTube would deal directly with those who manage television channels, offering them the opportunity to broadcast on the platform and earn through advertising, while retaining 45% of the profits.
The streaming app recently partnered with NFL Sunday Ticket to stream regular season National Football League games live on YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime, not available on its local affiliate channels.