BBC to produce tailored content for YouTube, FT reports

LONDON: The BBC is preparing to produce programmes specifically for YouTube for the first time, as the British public broadcaster looks to unlock new revenue streams while audiences drift steadily towards streaming platforms.

According to the Financial Times, the BBC will commission tailored shows for YouTube that will later appear on its own platforms, including iPlayer and BBC Sounds. An announcement could come as early as next week.

The move reflects growing pressure on the licence-fee-funded broadcaster to diversify income without introducing advertising into its domestic services. While the BBC’s UK output remains ad-free, the YouTube partnership would allow advertising to run on programmes viewed outside Britain, with a particular focus on younger audiences.

A small number of older titles may also be made available on YouTube, though these are not expected to be central to the strategy.

The shift comes as YouTube edges ahead of the BBC in Britain’s viewing rankings. In December, YouTube reached 51.9 million UK viewers, narrowly overtaking the BBC’s 50.8 million, according to Barb Audiences.

The development also lands amid legal turbulence for the broadcaster. US President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for at least $10 billion over the editing of footage from a January 6, 2021 speech, a case the corporation has said it will contest.