The word is out again. Google-owned online video giant YouTube is reportedly close to launching its paid channels as early as this week.

YouTube said it is “looking into creating a subscription platform that could bring even more great content to YouTube.”

Foreign press reported that if the new subscription system goes into effect, there will be as many as 50 paid channels offering different topics such as films, TV shows or music for a subscription fee as little as $1.99 a month.

Since 2008, YouTube has generated revenues by placing ads and providing video rental services. With the new paid subscription system, the company is expected to focus on producing more original content to the viewers. 

One of the YouTube executives said the paid channels will appeal to niche audiences interested in narrow topics.

The most popular YouTube channel is comedy series “Smosh” with 9.6 million subscribers, according to VidStatsX.

Jin Eun-soo, Intern reporter
(janna924@heraldcorp.com)