YouTube has announced that original content channels will soon be coming to the online streaming website. The news comes courtesy of a post on YouTube's official blog although such an announcement has been expected for some time.
The new channels are said to bring talented creators and original entertainment to YouTube, including channels created by well-known personalities. Content producers from television, film, music, news and sports will all be a part of the new service in addition to several up-and-coming media companies.
YouTube has posted a preview page with nearly 100 channels in the list, quite a bit more than the rumored 20 or so that we suspected. Popular channels include Car and Driver Television, Machinima and The Wall Street Journal while there are still several placeholders for unnamed theme channels like "sports" and "food".
In September we reported that such an announcement was imminent. Google was looking to spend upwards of $100 million to fund professionally produced video content exclusively for YouTube according to sources in April.
YouTube expects the first set of original channels to appear online sometime in November and will be made available through any Internet-connected device. What we don't know is if YouTube plans to charge a subscription fee for individual channels, the entire service or if revenue will be generated solely through ads. Those interested are encouraged to sign up to receive updates regarding new channels as they are launched.