YouTube is entering a new phase of the streaming wars. On Tuesday, the Google-owned video company announced Primetime Channels, a storefront with 34 streaming services available for subscription on the platform.
Currently only available to US users, these streamers include Paramount+ and Showtime — both from Paramount Global — along with Lionsgate’s Starz, MGM’s Epix, AMC Network’s AMC+ and Televisa Univision’s ViX+. Primetime channels will also include two dozen smaller channels, each available on a subscription basis through YouTube’s Movies & TV Hub.
“We are looking forward to expanding our partnership with YouTube to offer Paramount+ customers another way to stream the content they love,” Jeff Schultz, chief strategy officer and business development officer at Paramount Streaming, said in a statement. Excited.” “This new feature gives us the opportunity to expand our presence on YouTube, broaden our reach, and provide consumers with even more options for streaming the best in entertainment.”
YouTube has previously offered some premium channels through its YouTube TV pay-TV service, but these primetime channels will be available to anyone using the YouTube platform.
YouTube says they will be adding more services to purchase through YouTube, including NBA League Pass, expanding the service internationally. The service will include shows and movies, behind-the-scenes footage and filmmaker interviews, along with trailers. Meanwhile, titles from streaming services will appear in YouTube search results, while YouTube recommendations will include content from primetime channels.
Jeff Schultz, Chief Strategy Officer and Business Development Officer, Paramount Streaming, said, “We are excited to expand our partnership with YouTube to offer Paramount+ customers another way to stream the content they love. ” “This new feature gives us the opportunity to expand our presence on YouTube, broaden our reach, and provide consumers with even more options for streaming the best in entertainment.”
The titles available at the launch of YouTube’s primetime channels will be Showtime, Paramount+, Starz, AMC+, Epix, Shudder, Acorn TV, Here TV, CuriosityStream, Comedy Dynamics, Hallmark Movies Now, AllBulk, Sundance Now, ConTV, Docurama, MovieSphere. Dove Channel, IFC, ScreenPix, Fandor, Law & Crime, Screambox, Dekkoo, Tastemade+, Outside TV, Gaia, RCN Total, ATRESplayer, VSiN, Topic, Magnolia Selects, The Great Courses, UP Faith & Family, and ViX+.
The new offering does not specifically include Disney+, Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max, nor are these services available on Amazon Prime channels that perform the same functions for Prime members.
