Rumor: YouTube to launch two subscription services this year

It looks like the free-to-watch video streaming platform will be releasing two subscription services before the end of the year. If sources are correct, YouTube will still allow users to visit the site without joining a subscription service — which will allow individuals to continue using the site as per usual.

This report falls in line with a report from earlier this year that revealed that YouTube was considering launching a subscription service that would remove advertisements from videos. This subscription would impact content creators the most, as they depend on advertorial views (just like websites do).

YouTube won't be abandoning content creators with the subscription, according the informant, "While we can't comment on ongoing discussions, giving fans more choice to enjoy the content they love and creators more opportunity to earn revenue are always amongst our top priorities."

The second service that could possibly implemented before the years end is Music Key.

This subscription service has been in beta since last November, is said to allow users to stream high-quality ad-free music and videos. This subscription service will bring a new top-level tab on Android, iOS and the web that will make personalized music recommendations based on trending music. YouTube will also bring full-length albums to the site, available on artist profile pages.

Apparently, all of this will be available for free — with the caveat of listening to advertisements. For the advertisement free version, be prepared to shell out around $7.99  a month.

[The Verge]