YouTube is adding some 100 channels of original programming to its video sharing site, including TV, film, music, sport and celebrity content. The new content includes deals with celebrity partners such as pop music star Madonna and actor Ashton Kutcher. Google, owners of YouTube, reportedly laid out more than $100 million to establish the partnerships, which come as the California technology titan tries to become a preferred source of content for Internet-linked televisions.
“Even more talented creators and original entertainment will soon join YouTube’s existing channel lineup,” YouTube global head of content partnerships Robert Kyncl said in a blog post.
“Including channels created by well-known personalities and content producers from the TV, film, music, news, and sports fields, as well as some of the most innovative up-and-coming media companies in the world,” he added.
Google, owners of YouTube, reportedly laid out more than $100 million to establish the partnerships, which come as the California technology titan tries to become a preferred source of content for Internet-linked televisions.
“These channels will have something for everyone, whether you’re a mom, a comedy fan, a sports nut, a music lover or a pop-culture maven,” Kyncl said.
The first of the original channels will appear on YouTube next month with more added through the coming year.