Rumor: YouTube will begin hiding content behind a paywall in 2016

Since the dawn of time – or rather, 2005 – YouTube’s videos have been free to watch. That’s all about to change, as YouTube prepares a raft of content only available to paid users, as reported by re/code. It’s alleged that the Google-owned service, which is currently the market leader for online video, will have exclusive content for those paying a subscription fee. A subscription service has already been heavily rumoured, although it was assumed that paid users would only be given the luxury of avoiding advertisements, as well as access to Music Key. However, the new report suggests there will be paid-for original content in the works, set for a 2016 launch. It’s worth noting that all things point to YouTube continuing a free, ad-supported version of the website. Unfortunately, it’s still not clear how much of YouTube’s content will eventually be hidden behind a paywall. While there’s been plenty of speculation surrounding the growing monetisation of YouTube, Google has remained quiet on the matter. As such, YouTube hasn’t publicly released an official statement regarding the new claims. Would you subscribe to YouTube to ditch ads and access original content? Let us know in the comments.