YouTube to provide offline access to content

Video creators will be able to let people reuse downloaded content under certain conditions

YouTube has announced plans to offer a selection of its videos offline.

"We have started working with a few partners who want their videos shared universally, and even enjoyed away from an internet connection," said YouTube product manager Thai Tran in a blog post.

The Google-owned firm will offer video creators a Creative Commons licence that will permit people to reuse downloaded content under certain conditions. The creators can choose to offer their video downloads for free, or for a fee paid through Google Checkout.

YouTube pointed to particular examples where the new deal will be useful, such as university students or teachers who want to share lectures and research.

But a number of observers have argued that the move is pointless because they can already get the content for free through less honest means. Others pointed to the availability of software that allows users to download streaming media from web sites such as YouTube for free.

However, new government proposals soon to be unveiled will legally oblige internet service providers to take action against those who access pirated material.

In related news, Sony Music Entertainment has renewed its contract with YouTube that allows the site to continue showing Sony music videos.