YouTube just announced the newest battleground in the streaming wars. Today, the service launched “Primetime Channels,” allowing you to access content from streaming platforms like Paramount+ and SHOWTIME through the YouTube interface.
Not only will you be able to watch the shows and movies you pay for on other platforms, but you’ll also be able to sign up for Primetime Channel partners through YouTube’s Movie & TV hub. So there will be no need to switch between apps or websites anymore. It will all be on YouTube. For now, Primetime Channels are only available in the United States.
Of course, not all of the streaming services are on board. The big hitters like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, won’t be coming to YouTube. But there are some big names like Paramount+, AMC+, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Hallmark Movies Now. There are also some lesser-known channels like Curiosity Stream, MovieSphere, and CONtv. Prime Time channels are even getting niche services like Docurama, The Great Courses, and DoveTV. In total, there are 34 Primetime Channels.
According to The Verge, all the streaming content available from each Primetime Channel partner will appear in both the Movies & TV hub and in regular YouTube search results. And all the content will have the same look and feel as a normal YouTube video, allowing you to like or disklike videos and comment. The only thing that’s missing is the view counts.
