On Wednesday, YouTube began allowing its users to watch popular ad-supported TV shows free. This service is only available for viewers in the U.S. Some of the popular shows are Hell’s Kitchen, Andromeda and Heartland.The iconic streaming platform is now in direct competition with other streaming platforms who offer ad-enabled free streaming.
Peacock+, Roku, Tubi, IMDb, Pluto,TV, Xumo, Plex and other streaming platforms have ad-supported shows. So, the popular platform has taken this new step for the first time to keep Americans fixed on YouTube for hours together; similar to how they are fixated on binge watching series on Netflix.
YouTube said that there would be approximately 4,000 TV episodes and 1,500 movies that could be streamed free. It has added popular movies such as Legally Blonde, Runaway Bride and Gone in Sixty Seconds on its streaming service in the U.S, in March.
YouTube has streamed movies from the following production houses in the past such as
Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
Warner Bros
Lionsgate
Paramount Pictures and others.
Recent audiences, however, seem to be fixated on TV shows and mini series. These shows get critical acclaim as well as audiences who binge on the series, spending more times on these platforms, driving growth.
Last year, YouTube was increasing its content with its own programming. Called YouTube originals, it started well but has since been neglected due to various reasons. The platform announced that it would continue to focus on Black Voices as well as YouTube Kids Funds. Its originals was unable to compete with other major streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Nielsen data showed that YouTube reached 135 million people in the U.S. on connected TVs. However, when these viewers searched for TV shows on the platform, they were directed to rent or purchase titles. Free streaming was not an option available for viewers. To correct this anomaly and to get their viewers to stay on for longer periods in time on YouTube, the popular platform has now debuted ad-enabled free streaming of TV shows that American audiences love to watch.
