YouTube Launches Primetime Channels, Users Can Watch Movies and TV Shows on the Platform

YouTube, will start rolling out Primetime Channels, (photo: dock. youtube)

JAKARTA - YouTube has been the home of various video content on the internet for 15 years. Now, they're about to start rolling out Primetime Channels, a feature that turns YouTube into a subscription streaming service hub.

The Google-owned streaming platform says users can subscribe to more than 30 streaming services for movies and TV shows on the site.

Companies that have signed up include Paramount+, Showtime, Epix, Starz, AMC+ and many more. This new feature is in YouTube's Movies & Shows hub, which can be found in the Explore tab.

From there, users can sign up for the various available channels. Then, the channel will appear directly on the YouTube homepage.

The initial version will be launched in the United States (US) along with the announcement. YouTube plans to expand to international users in the future. The company will also work with more streaming partners and add channels over time.

Citing TechCrunch, Wednesday, November 2nd, Paramount+ is currently the largest Primetime Channels on the platform in terms of its subscriber base, and YouTube isn't the only notable distribution partner.

The streaming service also recently partnered with The Roku Channel and Walmart, where it is now part of a Walmart+ subscription.

“This new feature gives us the opportunity to expand our presence on YouTube, expand our reach, and give consumers more choices when it comes to streaming the best entertainment possible,” said Jeff Shultz, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and business development officer at Paramount Streaming.

Primetime Channels are not the same as YouTube TV. It is a subscription service of US$65 equivalent to Rp1 million per month where users can watch live TV. This is also not the same as the movie rental service that has been available on YouTube for years.

With its new streaming subscription hub, YouTube will now compete with tech giants Amazon, Roku, and Apple. Moreover, the move makes sense for the company as 2 billion users have already gone to the movie streaming platform to watch their favorite movie or show.