The BBC and YouTube have struck a landmark deal that will see the British broadcaster create original content specifically for the video platform, marking a significant shift in how the BBC reaches younger audiences.
The collaboration, announced on Wednesday, builds on the BBC’s existing use of YouTube to promote clips and trailers. However, this new venture will focus on producing content *for* YouTube’s primarily digital-native viewership, with potential cross-promotion on BBC iPlayer and Sounds.
A New Revenue Stream and Wider Reach
This partnership isn’t just about expanding the BBC’s audience; it’s also about generating revenue. Programs viewed outside the UK will include advertisements, providing a financial boost as the corporation navigates ongoing debates about its future funding model.
The initial content rollout will feature a blend of entertainment, news, and sports coverage, kicking off with the Winter Olympics in February. BBC Director General Tim Davie emphasized the deal’s potential to “connect with audiences in new ways,” adding, “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.”
What does this mean for viewers? Expect more BBC content tailored to the fast-paced, visually-driven style of YouTube, alongside opportunities to discover more of the BBC’s offerings through iPlayer and Sounds.
Investing in the Next Generation of Creators
Beyond content creation, the BBC and YouTube are jointly investing in the UK’s creative talent pipeline. A program led by the National Film and Television School will offer workshops and events to 150 media professionals, helping them hone their skills for the YouTube platform.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s vice president for EMEA, described the partnership as an opportunity to “redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling.” He stated, “This partnership translates the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience.”
- The BBC is creating original content *for* YouTube, not just promoting existing shows.
- The deal introduces advertising to BBC content viewed outside the UK, creating a new revenue stream.
- A training program will upskill 150 UK media professionals for YouTube.
- The partnership aims to reach a younger, more global audience.
The move comes as YouTube’s popularity in the UK continues to surge. In December, 52 million people in the UK were watching YouTube, surpassing the BBC’s combined reach of 51 million on various metrics, according to data from Barb. This shift reflects a broader trend: research last summer indicated that social media and video networks have become the primary news source for many in the United States, eclipsing traditional television and news websites.
The agreement encompasses the BBC’s UK public service broadcasting operations, as well as content from BBC Studios internationally. The BBC’s current funding model, reliant on a license fee, is under scrutiny, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stating last year that the fee is “unenforceable” and that “no options are off the table” as the government reviews its future.
