YouTube Set To Launch Channel Partnerships

Last night, YouTube officially debuted its channel strategy, which has been talked about for the better part of the last year as Google signed various content partnerships. The company is reportedly spending $100 million to pay content partners to launch vertical channels around sports, music, news, education, lifestyle and pop culture.

The move aims to positions YouTube in direct competition with cable, and though Google/YouTube will keep much of the initial advertising revenue around these content channels, the new distribution channel could open up more opportunities for both properties and sponsors.

The first of these new original channels will appear on YouTube starting next month and will continue over the next year. They’ll be available to you on any internet-connected device, anywhere in the world, with all the interactivity and social features of YouTube built right in.

Sports blog networks, SB Nation and Bleacher Report, as well as MLS (Soccer United Marketing) will have sports-focused channels. Red Bull will continue to cover the world of action sports through The Red Bull Channel.

"Since 2007, YouTube and Red Bull have shared a passion for creating and delivering compelling content for the web," stated Werner Brell, Managing Director of Red Bull Media House North America. "Four years later, once again Red Bull Media House is working with YouTube to provide inspirational programming to its new channels initiative."