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YouTube has provided the clearest indication yet that third-party video subscriptions will be added to the platform soon.

Earlier in the week, a report came through explaining that YouTube was looking at how it can add the option for users to sign up and subscribe to third-party subscription services. The report explained that YouTube had been talking with various entertainment companies although the outcome of those talks were unknown. As was whether YouTube would actually implement the feature. However, that now looks more likely than ever.

Today, an official blog posting by YouTube CEO, Susan Wojcicki to the wider YouTube community was released. The posting was designed to celebrate YouTube’s 15th birthday and provide some insight into what this year, and the years ahead will bring. One of those forward-looking aspects was streaming services with Wojcicki stating how in 2020 YouTube plans to “work with media companies to extend their audiences” while adding “we’re also boosting awareness of subscription services,” and “connecting networks and media partners to a consumer base that is increasingly cutting the cord.”

Here’s the relevant YouTube subscription services statement in full:

“Work with media companies to extend their audiences through time shifting, new geographies and new users. We’re also boosting awareness of subscription services, sports and news highlights, long-form content, and movies with trailers and clips. And we’re connecting networks and media partners to a consumer base that is increasingly cutting the cord. Today, YouTube TV has more than 2 million subscribers, and our service has expanded nationwide in the U.S., offering access to more than 70 channels, including cable networks, live sports, and on-demand programming.”

YouTube likely to gain video subscription sign-ups, and soon

While not a direct or blatant confirmation of the previous rumors, the posting does seem to make clear that YouTube wants to get more involved with “media companies” and “subscription services.” That in itself would seem to be a fairly solid suggestion that the previously rumored feature is coming to the platform. After all, there’s hardly a better way to help connect “networks and media partners to a consumer base that is increasingly cutting the cord” than to add the option to subscribe to cord-cutting services through YouTube.

On a more wider note, the statement also touching on YouTube TV and the fact that its live TV streaming service now has more than 2 million subscribers, would seem to be another indication of YouTube’s increased interest in offering a fully-stocked cord cutting experience.

If third-party subscriptions were added, many consumers would barely need to look beyond the YouTube ecosystem which would then be offering a full lineup of AVOD and SVOD, as well as live TV streaming – making it a robust one-stop streaming shop. This is even more true if YouTube is able to secure sign-ups to the biggest and most popular third-party video subscriptions.

Source: YouTube