YouTube rumoured to be readying premium service launch

YouTube is reportedly working with enterprises and TV studios on a paid subscription service.

Advertising news site AdAge cited unnamed sources in reporting that the video streaming service was working with a group of producers on a platform which would provide premium video channels for monthly subscription fees.

According to the report, YouTube users would be able to purchase access to the channels by paying fees ranging from $1 to $5 each month. The report also suggested the company was considering a model for one-time pay-per-view video purchases.

The reported services were said to be in limited trials and could arrive later this year.

If launched, the service could provide businesses and broadcasters with another method for monetising their content. The site currently allows users to collect a portion of advertising revenues on their videos through the Google AdSense platform.

Though many social networking platforms rely on advertisements for their revenues, some services have toyed with the idea of paid and premium content.

Facebook in particular has rolled out a number of premium features to help bolster its revenues.

The programmes included a scheme to purchase priority status for posts and an in-app purchasing platform which allows developers to perform micro-transactions.

YouTube has in the past trialled video rental programmes, though the efforts were largely one-offs and did not lead to permanent platforms.