14 DAY TRIAL // YouTube announced a live and on-demand streaming TV service called "YouTube TV," which will have you shelling out $35 a month for a family plan of up to six accounts.
Expected to launch sometime in the next few months in the United States, YouTubeTV might not end up across the world for a while now. In fact, YouTube said it would roll out the service first in markets where it had secured rights from local affiliates, which may take some time.
The company states that subscribers will have access to up to 40 networks, as well as creator content from YouTube, such as original videos from subscription service YouTube Red, which they've been trying to popularize in recent months. Channels will include all broadcast channels, as well as cable channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports, Freeform, and more. Additional programming can be added by users for extra cash.
TV, everywhere
During the press event, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said there was no question that millennials love great TV content, just not in the current form it is presented to them.
The benefit of YouTubeTV is that it will allow people to watch content from any device they want, whether that's a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. While some restrictions may appear, such as sports games blocked on mobile, but available on other platforms, such as TV or desktop, most content will be available across all platforms.
Speaking of the TV, people will be able to stream the content over to it by using their Chromecast devices, with more similar gadgets to be included on the list in the future. Google Home and Google Cast will further complement this universe and allow people to speak to their TVs to control YouTube TV.
Of course, this is just another revenue source for Google. On top of the rather high monthly subscription, Google can also start selling ads for a whole new platform.