By Nicholas Whitt |Staff Writer|
YouTube Red is a new addition to YouTube that is a paid subscription for an amplified video and music experience.
Red offers never before seen additions for YouTube: ad free videos, offline video availability, and background play. By allowing ad free content, Red makes it possible for you to support your favorite artist without watching ads.
“At first, I thought it was dumb because I can just get an ad blocker, but then I realized that I could basically get all the music and music videos I want for a single price,” stated student Carmen Davalos.
YouTube Red is similar to Pandora, a personalized radio station, in terms of how its subscribers choose to receive content; users can either view ad-saturated content for free, or they can pay a subscription to avoid being interrupted by ads.
YouTube creators (a fancy name for people who create content on YouTube), normally make money with ads shown on their videos.
In 2013, the average cost for ad placement on YouTube, which is calculated by every thousand views, was $7.60 per thousand and YouTube takes 45 percent of the total revenue, according to Eric Rosenberg, a writer for investopedia.com.
With tools such as an ad blocker, a program designed to swat away unwanted content, YouTube has finally answered issues in allowing creators to not be cheated of their content if they get a subscription.
Robert Lopez, a local YouTube creator, expressed his opinion on ad blockers, mentioning he hates it and that blocking ads hinders creators in terms of trying to make new or updated material since it’s “how we creators make revenue.”
To combat people who would continue using ad blocker, starting early 2016, Red subscribers will get access to new “members only” original shows and movies from YouTube creators, according to Sarah Mitroff, CNET associate editor.
Offline viewing is also a new feature with Red; YouTube videos can be downloaded and saved for up to 30 days.
This gives the option to watch or listen to your favorite creators while driving, hiking, at the gym, or any other place you choose.
Background play is also another added feature for Red subscribers, allowing the ability to watch content on YouTube while also going through other apps or locking your phone.
No longer will you be on YouTube and accidentally lock your phone, causing you to watch the video from the beginning.
Red subscribers are also automatically given access to Google Play Music, an app that stores music, and those who subscribe to Google Play Music will have access to Red.
Student reactions toward the YouTube Red announcement varied.
“I guess it’s a good idea for people who don’t already have a Spotify or so mething. I guess it depends on what you use YouTube for,” stated student Erik Cervantez.
“I think a lot of people aren’t going to like it initially, but it’ll eventually catch on just because YouTube is YouTube. Especially with the exclusive stuff that only members will get to access. That pudding pie guy makes a butt load of money playing video games,” stated student Cindy Ayala.
YouTube Red offers a 30 day trial for those wanting to try new things. Don’t worry about your favorite creators, they even get paid during the trial.
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