YouTube’s next step

Long gone are the days when social media was free from advertising, but now YouTube users can view ad-free content - at a fee.

YouTube is about to launch its premium offering - YouTube Red - which will deliver ad-free content to users for $US9.99 a month. Those utilising the offering can also store videos offline, as well as listen to YouTube content while switching to other apps.

The video sharing website’s latest development was timed to coincide with the launch of its music app - YouTube Music. “YouTube Music is designed to make discovering, watching and listening to music easier than ever. Any song or artist you choose on YouTube Music will start you on a personal journey through one of the richest music catalogs; just sign in, tap a track you love, and see where your music takes you,” a blog on The Website Marketing Group website reports.

There is no confirmed date when Australians will be able to use either of YouTube’s latest creations - but global expansion is clearly a given.