YouTube is backing out of the original content business. The company first got into the market with YouTube Red, which mostly consisted of popular YouTubers like PewDiePie working with the company to produce original shows. YouTube has since rebranded its premium offerings into YouTube Premium, consisting of its original shows as well as its music streaming service.
And now, Bloomberg is reporting that YouTube is pulling out of the business as it looks to shift its focus elsewhere. Apparently, YouTube no longer wants to invest money into original shows — something the company has done in the recent past — and instead, it wants to focus on Music, Gaming, and its ad-supported content. YouTube will allow users to view some of its original content for free (with ads) in the future.
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The company is also cancelling sci-fi series Origin, and it’s also no longer going ahead with Overthinking with Kat & June. YouTube has also stopped accepting pitches for new scripted shows.
YouTube backing out of the business of the original shows comes on the same day Apple is expected to get into the market. Personally, I don’t think it is a huge surprise that YouTube’s originals haven’t succeeded. When the company first launched the shows, they were mostly focused on YouTubers and although that might have been entertaining enough for existing YouTube users, other original shows that cost millions to make probably weren’t able to get much traction. And let’s not forget YouTube was trying to compete with Netflix where there is a new original show almost every month. It’s incredibly competitive.
Stooks
<p>SSDD with Google. </p><p><br></p><p>I fully expect to see the same thing from them on gaming 2-3 years from now. The gaming app will be "beta" for 2 years, then go production for 6months to a year and then get canceled. I cant and wont get involved with any new Google apps because I am not sure if it will be there in 3 years.</p><p><br></p><p>Between their messaging apps train wreck and the their music/video offering disaster why would any consumer want to choose them?</p><p><br></p><p>I want watch a movie and get it from Google……should I get it on…. Google Play video, YouTube, YouTube Red or YouTube TV????? If it is about gaming will be on YouTube gaming as well?</p>
bharris
<p>I would like to know how many people are watching original content on lesser known providers like Crackle. With so many cable networks & streaming services, it is almost impossible for shows to get any traction without spending a bunch of money on production/talent (i.e. Games of Thrones) or promotion. Unless you're willing to make a huge investment to get a true hit like House of Cards, I don't see how it is a good business to enter into,</p>
Bats
<p>AT least keep the Karate Kid!!!</p>