YouTube will no longer produce original content.According to Variety, the company announced it will shut down its original productions team after six years.
YouTube Originals was launched in 2016 as a way for the video website to get into the streaming business alongside Netflix and Hulu. Notable content created under the banner included the 2020 docuseriesJustin Bieber: Seasons(directed byMichael D. Ratner), the comedy seriesLiza on Demand(starringLiza Koshy,Kimiko Glenn, andTravis Coles), andThe Karate Kid’s sequel television seriesCobra Kai(starringRalph MacchioandWilliam Zabka). In 2018, YouTube shifted its focus away from scripted movies and television, and focused on music, celebrity and creator-focused originals, and educational programming.
After this shift,Cobra Kaimoved to Netflix for its third season, and a television version of theStep Upfilm series is scheduled to have its third season premiere on Starz. Showtime later acquired the rights for the comedy seriesOn Becoming a God in Central Florida(starringKirsten DunstandTheodore Pellerin), after it was previously developed as a YouTube Original series. The focus on music programming for YouTube Originals included projects withAlicia Keys,Demi Lovato,CamiloandLewis Capaldi. It also featured livestreamed concerts withTaylor Swift,Coldplay,Paul McCartney, andAndrea Bocelli. Some of YouTube Original’s most recent content includedBest Shape of My Life, a series followingWill Smith’s fitness journey, and the documentary filmLife in a Day 2020(directed byKevin Macdonald).
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YouTube Original’s upcoming slate included projects withKevin Hart,Paris Hilton,MrBeast,Lele Pons, andBretman Rock. “We will honor our commitment for already contracted shows in progress and creators who are involved with those shows should expect to hear from us directly in the coming days,” saidRobert Kyncl, YouTube’s chief business officer. Once YouTube Originals is shut down, the company will only be funding projects that are part of YouTube’s Black Voices and YouTube Kids. One of the reasons for ending YouTube Originals was the success of the YouTube Partner Program, which includes more than two million content creators. In the past three years, YouTube has paid more than $30 billion to content creators, artists, and media companies. “Now our investments can make a greater impact on even more creators when applied towards other initiatives,” said Kyncl. It was also recently announced thatSusanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content, will be leaving the company in March.
YouTube Original’sBest Shape of My LifeandLife in a Day 2020are currently available to watch on YouTube.
