YouTube on Tuesday unveiled a streaming television service offering bundles of live channels, in a direct challenge by the Google-owned network to traditional cable and pay TV.
YouTube TV was tailored for younger generations seeking news, films and more programmes without subscribing to cable or satellite service, according to YouTube chief executive Susan Wojcicki.
The new service will allow subscribers in U.S. markets to get access on any connected device to networks such as ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, along with “sports networks and dozens of popular cable networks,” according to YouTube.
Set to launch in coming months, YouTube TV will cost $35 monthly, with six user accounts allowed per subscriber, positioning itself to compete against so-called “skinny bundles” from Dish Network’s Sling TV and AT&T’s DirecTV Now.
Catering to new needs
“YouTube TV is designed specifically for the needs of a new generation of TV fans who want to watch what they want, when they want, how they want without commitment,” Ms. Wojcicki said.
YouTube TV will also combine user-created content from the Google-owned online video sharing service, with delivery customised for viewing screens from smartphones to big-screen televisions.
The service will launch first in major U.S. markets where local television content can be provided, with YouTube working to quickly expand availability, Ms. Wojcicki said. YouTube TV will also allow limitless recording of shows on servers hosted in the Internet cloud, so they can be saved for streamed viewing when convenient.
YouTube TV will be accessible on Internet-linked mobile devices, and can be streamed to television screens using Google Chromecast.
