YouTube Denies News On Halting The Production Of Its YouTube Premium Original Content

Several reports claim that YouTube’s efforts in competing with Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are ending, but the company is denying this. On March 23, Bloomberg cited credible sources that the company has ended its plans on developing “high-end” comedies and dramas for YouTube Premium. The firm reportedly stops accepting pitches for high-priced scripted shows.

On March 25, a spokesperson of YouTube denied the report and that the platform currently has “several scripted projects in development."

According to Bloomberg, YouTube is calling off its existing original shows which include the comedy “Overthinking with Kat & June” and sci-fi drama “Origin.” But the company was negotiating to bring back “Cobra Kai,” its breakaway hit, for the third season.

In an interview with Business Insider, YouTube said while “also developing new series and formats that will appeal to a global audience through a new ad-supported model,” it has been growing its subscription service steadily. That ad-model, according to the spokesperson, will replace all series of the company by the end of 2019.

YouTube said the updated schedule for new as well as returning original shows would be announced in the next few weeks.

News of the company halting its efforts in producing high quality shows arrives months after YouTube announced in 2018 that its original programming would no longer belong to its Premium subscription service and eventually become free with ads for viewers.

Bloomberg also reported that the platform would focus more on music, instead of premium original content.

Currently, with YouTube Premium, subscribers can access a bundle of services, from YouTube Originals, YouTube Music to a no-ad YouTube experience.

Questions about YouTube Originals comes amid Apple’s announcement on its new Apple TV Plus, which will offer a wide range of its original content. Apple plans on investing $2 billion on this. Initially, the service is thought to rely on shows from networks like Stars, Showtime, and HBO.