Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- YouTube could soon offer a new hub of free, ad-supported TV channels.
- The company is currently testing it with a subset of users.
- It is expected to roll out widely later this year.
YouTube is reportedly testing a new free, ad-supported hub. According to The Wall Street Journal, YouTube is in talks with a number of entertainment companies to feature their movies and shows in the hub of cable-like TV channels.
Sources confirmed to the publication that YouTube is currently testing the concept with a small number of media partners. The board rollout of the free cable channels on the platform could launch later this year.
By adding a hub of free content with ads, YouTube may be vying to compete with established industry players like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Roku, which all offer a similar catalog of free movies and TV shows.
YouTube also recently rolled out a way for users to sign-up for over 30 paid streaming services directly through its platform. It seems YouTube is getting in on various different streaming business models to keep up with the competition.
A YouTube spokeswoman confirmed to WSJ that the company is running a small experiment with a handful of viewers, allowing them to watch ad-supported channels for free.
“We’re always looking for new ways to provide viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them,” the spokeswoman said.
