Google is staging a major comeback in the streaming scene with the introduction of YouTube Primetime Channels. Announcing the arrival of movies and series on YouTube, Google added that users can also stream sports channels and events.
With this new feature, YouTube is positioning itself as a portal for streaming and not something similar to Netflix. To give users access to these streaming services, Google’s YouTube is partnering with the likes of STARZ, Paramount+, AMC+, Showtime, etc. In order to stream your favourite movies and shows, YouTube says you would have to purchase each streaming option accessible via the Film and TV hub on any of their platforms.
To watch a movie or TV show from a channel, users will need to pay a set fee to rent or purchase the channel. There is also an option to stream these channels for free, but one will need to make do with the ads. Just like Elon Musk, the new CEO of Twitter, says, “you get what you pay for.”
While the price to access the shows is still unspecified, the streaming feature, via the YouTube Primetime Channels, is only accessible to users in the United States as of now. But, YouTube promises that this feature will expand its reach to other regions. Also, depending on the acceptance of this new feature Google might partner with some other streaming platforms native to other regions, hence bringing their content to YouTube.
This feature will be available on all platforms that can access YouTube like smartphones, smart TVs, etc. There is also no confirmation that YouTube Premium subscribers will get to stream without ads even if they don’t pay the set fee.