YouTube Red, a paid subscription service akin to popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, made a brief but impactful mark on the online entertainment landscape. Much like other streaming services, this paid subscription service promised an array of exclusive features for discerning users.
In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of YouTube Red, exploring its features and how it stood against its streaming counterparts.
The inception of YouTube Red
Launched in October 2014, YouTube Red initially debuted as the YouTube Red Original Service, granting early access to a selection of five original shows, including hits like “Cobra Kai” and “Scare PewDiePie.” Over time, it underwent a rebranding, adopting the name YouTube Red subscription service.
Evolution into YouTube Premium
In 2018, Google introduced YouTube Premium, an amalgamation of YouTube Red and YouTube Music. This new service made its debut in the US in April and subsequently expanded to other countries, positioning itself as a formidable contender in the realm of paid streaming services, alongside giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Exclusive Features of YouTube Red
YouTube Red was accessible in the US and Australia, offering users two subscription options: a monthly plan priced at $9.99 and an annual plan at $119.88. Additionally, a family plan accommodating up to six members was available at $15.00 per month.
Key features:
- Offline viewing: This feature, available in select countries, allowed users to enjoy videos even without an internet connection.
- Original shows: Subscribers received six complimentary original shows each month, with the option to unlock an additional three shows for a nominal $9.99 monthly fee.
- Music streaming with YouTube Music: YouTube Red subscribers gained access to Google’s music streaming service, YouTube Music, providing a vast library of tunes for $9.99 per month.
- YouTube Gaming: Catering to the gaming community, YouTube Gaming offered a diverse range of gaming-related content, including original shows, live gaming events, exclusive movies, and gaming-centric music.
- YouTube Kids: For younger audiences, YouTube Kids provided a dedicated app featuring age-appropriate content devoid of advertisements. This app is readily available for Android devices via app stores.
- YouTube at School: Educators in the US had the privilege to use YouTube at School, a free tool allowing seamless integration of the app into their students’ devices for educational purposes.
YouTube Red may have had a relatively short tenure, but its impact on the online entertainment landscape was palpable. With its array of exclusive features and original content, it carved a niche for itself among the plethora of streaming services. While YouTube Red has evolved into YouTube Premium, its legacy as a pioneer in paid streaming services endures, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving world of digital entertainment.
Meanwhile, the debates surrounding the worth of YouTube Premium have been sparked once again after YouTube’s move to crack down on the usage of AdBlock on the platform. With the lost ability to easily stream videos without the bothering of ads, users are looking for ways to get their smooth experience back.
Since the YouTube Premium price increase in 2023, users have been cautious about the paid subscription option of the platform but with recent developments, it seems that YouTube is in for some new Premium users.
Featured image credit: YouTube