Google to introduce YouTube subscription model

Google will launch YouTube’s subscription model to the public in a few months time.

YouTube’s head of content and business operations Robert Kyncl touched on the launch at Re/Code’s Code/Media conference today in California. During his discussion with United Talent Agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer, he was quoted by CNBC saying the video service is “fine-tuning the experience.”

While Google has been working on a paid, ad-free version since before its executive Susan Wojcicki took over YouTube in early 2014. In fact, the subscription model has been in the testing stages since May 2013.

YouTube is built on its advertising experience - it offers artists the option to monetise their content through advertising, - so while an update to its model should still see rights-holders paid through subscription revenue, it could see YouTube compete with on-demand local services like Stan and Quickflix.

YouTube is the #1 online video service attracting more than 1 billion users a month.