YouTube to launch paid subscription service

YouTube is to launch a subscription service offering original, exclusive videos - including feature-length films starring high-profile vloggers, BBC News reported,

Initially only available in the US, YouTube Red will cost $9.99 (£6.50) a month and have no adverts.
PewDiePie, Rooster Teeth and Lilly Singh are among the well-known names involved.

Analysts suggested it could be difficult to turn millions of fans who expect free access to pay up.

"It's great to see YouTube offer an alternative to an ad-only model," said Brian Blau, an analyst with Gartner. "Consumers want choice and options."

YouTube will offer US-based users a month's free trial of Red from 28 October. International pricing and launches will be announced soon.

"For years, YouTube's fans have been telling us they want more," the company wrote in a blog post.

"More choice when watching their favourite content, more ways to support their favourite creators and, above all, the option to watch their favourite videos uninterrupted."