YouTube announces it will make its original shows available for free, with ads

Deadline

Cobra Kai and other original YouTube Premium shows will get a run on the free, ad-supported version of YouTube, starting later this year. The exact window of time for free availability will vary depending on each property. YouTube announced at its "NewFronts" that it would now focus on three types of series: music, learning and personalities. The online video service also said that scripted shows will remain an "active component" of its TV plans. “For today’s viewers, primetime is personal and our content resonates so strongly due to the diversity and richness of our unmatched  library and platform capabilities,” said YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl. “While every other media company is building a paywall, we are headed in the opposite direction and now have more opportunities than ever to partner with advertisers and share our critically- acclaimed originals with our global audience.”

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