BBC to make shows for YouTube, as new content deal announced

The BBC has announced a landmark deal with YouTube, which will see the corporation make content that is tailor-made for the video streaming service.

The broadcaster has previously used YouTube, which is owned by Google, to promote clips and trailers for its own shows in the UK.

But the new move will see the BBC make content primarily aimed at YouTube’s digital-native younger audience, although it may also be made available on the BBC’s iPlayer and Sounds platforms.

The new programmes will feature adverts when viewed from outside of the UK, generating extra funds for the corporation at a time when its future funding model is being debated.

The content will include a mixture of entertainment, documentaries, children’s channels, news and sport – starting with the Winter Olympics in February.

In a statement released on Wednesday, YouTube and the BBC said the deal will showcase “the best homegrown storytelling and news from across the BBC”.

Director general Tim Davie said it would help the BBC help “connect with audiences in new ways”.

“We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training programme to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK,” he added.

“Importantly, this partnership also allows new audiences different routes into BBC services like BBC iPlayer and Sounds.”

The BBC has not previously produced original series for YouTube, but its main account on the streaming platform, which hosts trailers and clips, has more than 15 million subscribers. A separate BBC News YouTube channel has around 19 million.

It’s understood the BBC will increase the number of channels it has on YouTube to 50. In the UK, the corporation will not carry advertising around its content for the streaming platform.

The new partnership will also see the BBC and YouTube support the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan by investing in “the next generation of creators” across the country.

Led by the National Film and Television School, 150 media professionals will be invited to develop their YouTube skills at workshops and events.

Pedro Pina, vice president of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) YouTube said they were “delighted” to partner with the BBC “to redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling”.

“This partnership translates the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience,” he said.

“Beyond the content, our first-of-its-kind training programme represents a deep investment in the UK’s creative pipeline designed to empower the next generation of British talent to lead the global creator economy.

“In doing so, we are not just telling the stories of today; we are building the stage for the storytellers of tomorrow.”

In December, the number of people watching YouTube in the UK (52 million) overtook the BBC’s combined offerings (51 million) on certain metrics for the first time, according to data reported by rating agency Barb.

And last summer, research suggested that social media and video networks had become the main source of news in the US, overtaking traditional TV channels and news websites.

The new agreement between YouTube and the BBC covers the latter’s UK-based public service broadcasting wing, as well as international content from BBC Studios.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said last year that the BBC’s licence fee is “unenforceable” and that “no options are off the table” as the government reviews the corporation’s current funding model.