YouTube reportedly plans to launch a ‘channel store’ for streaming services

YouTube is working on an online store where you can buy subscriptions for various streaming services, says The Wall Street Journal. Google’s video streaming platform has reportedly been developing a “channel store” over the past 18 months and is currently in talks with potential partner companies. YouTube already gives its $65 per month streaming TV subscribers the option to add access to additional services such as HBO Max. However, the upcoming store will apparently provide a way for people to purchase a la carte streaming services through the main YouTube app.

The news says YouTube offers its platform as a great way for companies to market their streaming services, as viewers can watch free trailers on its website or app and then easily pay for a subscription. Partner companies will likely have to share their earnings with YouTube for purchases made within the video platform. YouTube, the publication says, is already discussing how to split the subscription revenue with them, though terms differ for each partner.

Even with the prospect of having to share revenue with partners, more streaming services are now open to the idea of ​​bundling or collaborating. Starz CEO Jeffrey Hirsch said: The news that bundling streaming services with other players creates a better experience for users. It also makes the offer of providers visible to more people and ensures that subscribers are less likely to cancel. In the case of YouTube, the app is already widely used and could provide paying users with a single platform to manage multiple subscriptions. For streaming providers, making their services easier and more readily available can help them survive what analysts think will be a difficult year marked with the loss of a significant number of users.

YouTube’s “channel store” reportedly could launch as early as fall this year, though it has yet to confirm the project exists and is already in talks with potential partners.