YouTube eyes TV rights

YouTube is in talks with US studios to secure streaming rights to TV shows and movies for its fledgling subscription service.

YouTube’s Swedish web comedian PewDiePie

YouTube Red was launched in the US at the end of October and charges US$9.99 a month for access to exclusive and original videos from high-profile bloggers.

Reports emerging from the US are now suggesting that execs from YouTube are also looking to bolster that content and are meeting with Hollywood studios and other US producers to discuss deals and consider pitches.

The move, first reported in the Wall Street Journal, would further YouTube’s rivalry with fellow US streamers such as Amazon and Netflix.

The Google-owned firm has already bolstered its management ranks by adding ex-MTV programming chief Susanne Daniels and former Netflix exec Kelly Merryman, with the two execs reportedly involved in discussions.

YouTube has also been increasing its original productions and is preparing to unveil more than 10 movies and shows that feature online stars such as Felix Kjellberg (aka PewDiePie).

Its ad-free Red service will feature exclusive content from YouTubers including Lilly Singh, The Fine Brothers and Joey Graceffa, with shows such as Scare PewDiePie, billed as a reality adventure series that pitches Kjellberg into a variety of horror scenes inspired by games.

Meanwhile, Sing It! will be a spoof of TV talent shows from The Fine Brothers, while A Trip to Unicorn Island is a film-length documentary following Lilly Singh on tour. Joey Graceffa is fronting an as-yet untitled show that puts other YouTubers into murder-mystery situations.

YouTube’s move for third-party rights is likely to also further fuel online rights prices, as the likes of Hulu, Netflix and Amazon vie for content.