BBC Set to Finalize Exciting Partnership to Create Shows for YouTube
The BBC has entered into a significant agreement with YouTube, allowing the British broadcaster to create original content for the platform. This partnership highlights YouTube’s growing influence in the media landscape and its challenge to traditional television networks.
The collaboration is part of the BBC’s strategy to reach younger audiences where they prefer to consume content. Original shows developed for YouTube may eventually transition to BBC iPlayer or BBC Sounds, aiming to keep the corporation relevant for future generations of licence fee payers.
Despite not producing unique series for YouTube until now, the BBC has maintained a presence on the platform for over 20 years. Its main channel features trailers and clips, boasting 15.3 million subscribers and 11.9 billion views, with popular programs like The Traitors showcased.
BBC News has been on YouTube since 2006, attracting 19 million subscribers and 6.6 billion views with longer video formats. However, the specifics of how the BBC will monetize original content on YouTube remain unclear. While the BBC does not utilize advertising within the UK, the Financial Times indicates it may be able to generate revenue from YouTube originals in international markets, thereby enhancing licence fee income.
Channel 4 has previously ventured into original content on YouTube, producing films for its Channel 4 Documentaries as well as commissioning digital dramas like Beth last year.
Internally, there are some skeptics regarding the BBC’s investment in YouTube. One source noted, “Ultimately, they’ve done this because the youth audience is there — not because it will make any money.”
Nonetheless, the BBC’s strong historical performance may not be as dominant as it once was. Although the broadcaster remains ahead by some measures, losing ground in any metric is significant, reflecting shifts in viewer preferences after decades of influence in the UK.
This partnership comes at a time when UK lawmakers are considering action to address YouTube’s rapid expansion. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated at the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention last September that the government is willing to amend legislation to ensure that YouTube prioritizes public service content. YouTube has responded, stating such measures would be "premature" given ongoing discussions with public service broadcasters regarding potential collaborations.
