Video sharing website YouTube has begun streaming full-length television series to UK users

TV embraces world's biggest video-sharing site...only takes four years to do it

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23 Nov 2009 :
Video sharing website YouTube has begun streaming full-length television series to UK users, following its deal with Channel 4 in October.

According to Google, the Shows section of YouTube offers 4,000 full-length programmes from 60 partners including Channel 4, ITN, BBC Worldwide and Al Jazeera.

Google plans to add more partners in the coming months, with Channel 4 indicating it will also continue to do deals with other services. The broadcaster will continue serving videos from its own catchup service, 4oD.

Channel 4's full back catalogue won't make its way to YouTube until 2010, though Father Ted and Brass Eye are among those already available.

The shows are free, but they feature a non-skippable 30-second advert that plays before the programme begins. The companies have confirmed they will share ad revenues generated by the service, though details of the deal were not disclosed.

"The YouTube community has always enjoyed the vibrant range of video on the site, from amateur make-up videos to professional TV highlights and everything inbetween," says YouTube director of video partnerships Patrick Walker.

"The Shows section of the site will make it easier for users to discover videos from the biggest names in British broadcasting, and help our content partners reach new audiences and generate new revenues."

Buzz Watch: Tune In November 22nd for YouTube Live

YouTube is going back to the future with creating appointment TV on the Internet.

YouTube’s Head of Marketing, Chris Di Cesare, talks about how they were urged by the community to do streaming live events. In response, they’ll do doing the first one on November 22nd with three streams from different angles. So what is the event going to be about? YouTube puts it this way: “Part concert, part variety show and part party, YouTube Live will bring together some of the amazing videos and unforgettable individuals that have contributed towards making the site what it is today.” The event will feature Internet-born stars like Soulja Boy Tell'em, Esmee Denters, and "Canon Rock" virtuoso Funtwo as well as Internet-savvy mainstream starts like Will. I. Am and Akon. It is also noteworthy because it's a step away from being just a technology provider to getting into original programming. YouTube will monetize the event with sponsors Guitar Hero World Tour and Virgin America. The sponsors will in turn take advantage of the event by promoting their own YouTube-branded services such as a Virgin America flight with YouTube celebrities. Great idea, but who would want to be stuck next to the crazy Britney guy for two hours on an airplane? Not me. But I bet that it has a certain appeal to some members of the YouTube community. And judging by the buzz the event is getting online, I think that YouTube Live will be a hit.