YouTube Red readies Australian launch
YouTube’s subscription platform is preparing to launch in Australia.
YouTube Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl, a former Netflix exec, told AFR the service would be rolled out locally later this year.
YouTube Red launched in the US in late 2015, offering its ad-free version of YouTube along with exclusive and original content from YouTube’s popular creators.
In February it added original TV shows and movies created by YouTube personalities were announced. Titled YouTube Red Originals, the channel launched with three feature films and a TV series. They were:
- A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey ofLilly Singhas she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.
- Dance Camp: This feature film fromAwesomenessTVweaves an amazing story of unlikely friendships, unleashing passions and discovering yourself all through the power of dance.
- Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy fromRooster Teethand Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.
- Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of “The Walking Dead” at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter asPewDiePieencounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.
Kyncl has said YouTube will invest in up to 20 new shows each year for its under 35s target demographic.
It’s not clear how much Australians will be charged for YouTube Red, but in the US the service costs US$9.99 (AUD$14) a month.
YouTube Red will eventually be made available in 39 territories, including New Zealand, Brazil, China, Sweden and Japan.
Australia is currently spoilt for choice when it comes to SVOD services. The 10 TV catch-up services and subscription streaming websites or apps (for movies and TV) available in Australia are: Stan, Netflix, Presto, Foxtel Play, Quickflix, 9Now, ABC iView, SBS On Demand, PLUS7 and TenPlay.