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YouTube plans to launch its long rumoured paid subscription service within the next few months, according to a report on Wednesday.
The Verge’s sources say the ad-free option is ‘rapidly taking shape’ and will offer users ad-free access to videos, as well as the ability to store them offline.
The service will apparently cost users $10 a month (around £6).
The report says some of the most popular content creators have been informed of YouTube’s intentions today.
Following the launch, those creators will even have the option to place their videos behind the paywall, rather than receive their cut of the ad-revenue from the free service.
“By creating a new paid offering, we'll generate a new source of revenue that will supplement your fast growing advertising service," a letter Bloomberg says was sent to creators reads.
The move is Google’s latest towards encouraging users to pay for content, rather than enjoy ad-supported access.
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Late last year the firm launched a YouTube Music Key service, which remains in beta. The proposition rumoured today is likely to follow the same ad-free model but include an all-encompassing remit.
"While we can't comment on ongoing discussions, giving fans more choice to enjoy the content they love and creators more opportunity to earn revenue are always amongst our top priorities," a Google spokesperson said today.
Would you be willing to shell out a ten-spot a month to get rid of pre-roll ads and store your favourite viral clips offline? Let us know below.