Australia has become YouTube‘s second destination after the USA for the launch of its premium subscription service YouTube Red.
Not to be confused with RedTube, YouTube Red will set you back $11.99 a month, but for a limited time users can sign up for $9.99 on a special introductory offer. Upon sign-up you’ll also receive a free month-long trial to test out the new features.
Speaking of features, the service comes with a number of new features not accessible to regular YouTube users. For starters you’ll gain access to YouTube’s original video series, including exclusive content from YouTubers like PewdiePie and Rooster Teeth.
YouTube has also launched a dedicated music app YouTube Music. Although owner Google already offers Google Play Music, users won’t have to choose between the two as subscribers to one service will automatically gain access to the other.
YouTube Music promises to provide a way to organise the huge amount of content on YouTube in an easy-to-listen format. The app curates a personal music station based on your preferences, and is designed to continuously create playlists to continue. The ‘Today’ screen provides a curated selection of popular content, while another tab allows users to keep track of liked videos.
Those who sign up to YouTube Red as well will be able to switch off the video component to save battery, as well as access an offline mix tape which refreshes once per day.
YouTube have said that the majority of money made from these services will go to musical artists and video makers, though they haven’t confirmed any specifics.
