YouTube Announces Ad-Free Subscription Service and First Original Content

Following in the recent footsteps of Hulu, YouTube is launching its own subscription ad-free service as well as its first slate of original content. If you're sick and tired of sitting through ads just so you can watch that SNL sketch everyone is talking about or the latest tiny hamster viral video or clips from TV shows that only you seem to remember — good news! Now you can pay $9.99 a month and bypass those annoying ads. As a bonus, YouTube Red is offering exclusive original content to help you get your money's worth.

Well, sort of. It depends on your level of interest in their original shows and movies. YouTube has acquired the rights to Rooster Teeth's (the folks behind Red vs. Blue) first original film, Lazer Team, as well as a handful of reality and scripted shows from YouTube stars.

But first, the basics: YouTube Red is a subscription service that will run you $9.99 a month in order to watch videos without the ads. It's the same amount users are currently paying for the ad-free Hulu subscription. The service was announced today along with YouTube's new music service, and will officially launch on October 28, offering users ad-free and original programming, as well as the option to save videos to your phone or tablet to watch offline. Users will also (finally) be given the ability to have videos playing in the background on their phone while using other apps.

Only YouTube Red members will have access to the new, original programming, which is where the program differs from Hulu. Here's YouTube Red's initial original content lineup:

Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of The Walking Dead at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter as PewDiePie encounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.

 

Sing It!: From Fine Brothers Entertainment and Mandeville Films comes SING IT!, a scripted comedy that lovingly satirizes the reality singing competitions that have become a centerpiece of pop culture.

 

Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy from Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.

 

A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh as she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.

 

Untitled Joey Graceffa project: In this all-new reality adventure series, Joey Graceffa brings together an ensemble of top YouTubers for a murder mystery they’ll never forget. They’ll form alliances to survive, but little do they know that most won’t make it out alive.

 

360 Project from MatPat of Game Theory: YouTube educator and pop culture expert MatPat from The Game Theorists invites the audience to come along for the ride in an innovative new series and 360 VR experience. In each episode Matt explores the real-life science behind popular video games by throwing gamers into the high-stakes scenarios they play through every day, from water jetpacks to haunted pizzerias.

 

Single by 30: In this romantic drama series from Wong Fu Productions and New Form Digital, two high school best friends make a promise to get married if they’re still single at 30. A decade later, with 30 quickly approaching, their attempt at upholding their vow unfolds in unexpected ways. Starring Harry Shum, Jr. and Kina Grannis.

 

Untitled CollegeHumor project: Written by and starring the cast of CollegeHumor, along with special guests, this new anthology series will take a dark and comedic look at the absurdity of Internet culture.

 

Fight of the Living Dead: In an unprecedented social experiment reality show from Alpine Labs, Fight of the Living Dead takes popular YouTube talent and traps them in a frighteningly realistic zombie apocalypse. They must use their instincts and gaming skills to survive as they battle the elements for the ultimate prize of survival.

 

I Am Tobuscus: From the mind of Toby Turner, this scripted comedy explores the world of a self-involved YouTube creator pursuing bigger stardom. The show features original music, and satirizes the hilarious details of being an eccentric, new-age celebrity.

You can read more from the official announcement on the YouTube blog.