YouTube will make fewer Originals programs

YouTube says it will make fewer Originals productions of its own and instead invest only in Originals productions under the Black Voices and Kids Funds programs. Existing agreements with Originals creators are still being finalized.

The YouTube’s chief business officer writes that Originals’ “rapid growth” has created “new opportunities” that could allow YouTube’s investments to have “more impact” when directed to other initiatives, such as the Creator Shorts Fund and Live Shopping. Susanne Daniels, head of Originals, has also decided to leave.

Because of these two points, according to the CBO, YouTube has decided to reduce the future Originals offer. The company now only wants to invest in series that match Black Voices and the Kids Funds. Other series currently in development will still be completed, but new contracts will not be made unless they fall under Black Voices or Kids Funds.

Three years ago, it was rumored that YouTube would stop the major drama and comedy series on the platform. The company would have chosen this because of the high costs. This rumor was denied at the time. It has now opted for this. The Originals videos have been free to watch since 2019. Originals has been around since 2016.