Google has been rumored to be launching at paid subscriptions service for YouTube ever since this past January, and it looks like this rumor has now become reality as the search giant has just announced it is launching a new subscription channel option.
“Today, there are more than 1 million channels generating revenue on YouTube, and one of the most frequent requests we hear from these creators behind them is for more flexibility in monetizing and distributing content,” the company said in a blog post. “We’ve been working on that and wanted to fill you in on what to expect.”
Starting today, YouTube will begin offering a subscription option to only 30 channels right now for as low as $.99 per month and as high as $2.99 per month. They will continue to roll out their subscription option to a small number of select partners, although before you swear to never use YouTube again due to this new move, know that Google will allow users to check out what its select partner has to offer by way of a 14-day trial. Discounts will also be available for YouTube users who decide to pay for a one-year subscription for access to one of its partners content.