The BBC is to launch a new video channel for Radio 1 on the iPlayer on-demand and catchup TV service.

Radio 1's video channel will show exclusive performances and interviews that have not been scheduled to appear on any of the BBC's TV channels.

The corporation claimed that Radio 1 videos are already hugely popular on YouTube and online: a Zane Lowe interview with Kanye West last month attracted more than 3m views on the station's YouTube channel.

The BBC said that the radio station's move marked a "giant step into a multimedia future" that it is hoped will mean Radio 1 will reach a larger audience of younger music fans.

The BBC said that currently the biggest viewers of Radio 1 video clips are girls aged between 13 and 17 years old.

Content on the new channel will include music from Radio 1's Live Lounge and the annual Big Weekend festival, as well as interviews with stars.

"I'm very excited about transforming Radio 1 from being just a radio station into being a full audio-visual channel," said the BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra controller, Ben Cooper. "Radio 1 has always pioneered innovative ideas and led the way in engaging with young people and this is another huge step in cementing that reputation."

BBC Radio 1 has 550,000 subscribers online and its website receives nearly 12m views a month.

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