Video-sharing website YouTube is stepping up preparations to launch a subscription-based service in the US, according to reports.
The Re/code website said YouTube has issued a letter to content creators asking them to agree to new site licensing terms.
YouTube is said to be readying the launch of an advertising-free version of its service for a monthly fee, with new service terms to be enabled by the end of October.
The letter read: “This service will create a new source of revenue over time that supplements your advertising revenue. That’s why an overwhelming majority of our partners – representing over 95 per cent of YouTube watch time – have asked for and signed up for this service.”
YouTube is said to have requested that content-makers update their agreements by October 22 or their videos will “no longer be available for public display or monetisation in the United States.”
YouTube added: “We believe these new terms will greatly strengthen our partnership for the future. We went through a similar process three years ago when we began distributing and monetising your content on mobile devices. Today, mobile represents over half of all watch time and mobile revenue is up 2x in just the last year.
“Just as with mobile, we’re confident this latest update will excite your fans and generate a previously untapped, additional source of revenue for you.”