YouTube has launched the trial for its paid channels in a bid to generate extra revenue for content creators.
The pilot began on Thursday and involves a small group of partners offering paid channels on the Google-owned platform with subscription fees starting at US$0.99 per month.
“Once you subscribe from a computer, you’ll be able to watch paid channels on your computer, phone, tablet and TV, and soon you’ll be able to subscribe to them from more devices,” read YouTube’s blog.
Every channel has been given 14 days free trial period and some offer discounted yearly rates.
One channel, the world famous Sesame Street, is offering full episodes on their paid channel as soon it launches.
YouTube has been building a partner program since 2007 with the aim of enabling content creators to earn revenue for their creativity.
The platform has witnessed content creators build channels over the years all of which have contributed into making YouTube a news, education, and entertainment destination for one billion people spread across the world.
There are currently more than one million channels generating revenue on YouTube and creators have been requesting more flexibility in monetising their content.
YouTube has been working on that and wanted to let subscribers know what to expect.
The blog added: “This is just the beginning. We’ll be rolling paid channels out more broadly in the coming weeks as a self-service feature for qualifying partners.
“And as new channels appear, we’ll be making sure you can discover them, just as we’ve been helping you find and subscribe to all the channels you love across YouTube.”
YouTube’s launch means Google joins Hulu, Amazon and Netflix in offering subscription-based alternatives to traditional pay-TV.
