▶️ BBC Heads to YouTube

For the first time in its history, the public broadcaster will commission exclusive content specifically for the platform, rather than just uploading archive footage.

BBC plans to release documentary shows, BBC Three-style entertainment formats, children’s content, and sports programming on YouTube.

Outside the UK, BBC will sell advertising in these videos to generate revenue, while content inside the country will remain ad-free.

The corporation will develop special news formats for YouTube to combat disinformation on the platform.

The shift is driven by fierce competition: in December, YouTube viewership in the UK surpassed the combined figures for all BBC channels for the first time. The partnership will cover both domestic public service broadcasting and the commercial arm BBC Studios.