Youtube has moved into producing its own programming through the new “original channels” initiative. Cash advances have been given to around 100 popular Youtube channels to create original content for the Google entertainment behemoth.
One of the channels chosen to take part in the pilot scheme is Clevver Media, who were already achieving 60 million views per month when Youtube approached them for the Original Channels project. They have now launched ClevverNews, ClevverStyle and ClevverTeVe.
Advertising revenue share begins once set up costs have been recouped by Youtube. The third of the triumvirate, ClevverTeVe, will target the Spanish-speaking world with celebrity gossip and news.
Michael Palmer, co-founder of Clevver Media said of the new arrangement:
“Since launching Clevver Media on YouTube in 2008, we have significantly grown with the platform so it is very gratifying to be part of the new original channels initiative. We are taking advantage of the YouTube initiative to broaden our audience reach with channels targeting new demographics for Clevver Media.”
Other Youtube original channels include; Thrash Lab from Ashton Kutcher, The Comedy Shaq Network from Shaquille O’Neill, Soul Pancake from Rainn Wilson and RIDE Channel from Tony Hawk.