YouTube Red purchases Step Up television series
Google has moved to bolster its content library on paid video streaming service YouTube Red in its first purchase of a big budget television series.
Under the deal Lionsgate will produce a 10 episodes season of the Channing Tatum dance drama franchise, each running to 45 minutes in duration with Tatum himself on board as executive producer.
Whilst this could best be described as being of niche appeal, the production nevertheless marks a significant upscaling in YouTube’s ambitions in this arena as it seeks to drive new subscriptions.
Subscribers currently pay $10 for the privilege of accessing YouTube Red, the chief benefit of which is advert free access to its huge library if video footage as opposed to its Spartan collection of original programming.
To further encourage uptake subscribers can also benefit from access to the services extensive music library as the service has grown to become a go-to destination for those seeking music videos.