As the Internet world moves towards paid subscription services more and more, it appears that YouTube wants to get into the action. Arguably the most popular video service on the web, one of the draws for YouTube has always been that its completely free.
In recent years, Google has gradually been helping YouTube evolve into something more than a site where you go to watch your friends mom trip over the dog, or try and find the next Rebecca Black. Google has also started offering up paid content on YouTube such as Disney Movies that can be purchased and watched only on YouTube.
The website Android Police has found some language in the coding for YouTube’s Android app that hints at an expansion of a paid service. The code is relatively simple, but it hints at a major revamping of the website with instructions that read:
<string name=”paid_channel_subscribe_message”>You can only subscribe to this paid channel on your computer.</string>
<string name=”paid_channel_unsubscribe_message”>You can only unsubscribe from this paid channel on your computer.</string>
Obviously, the only reason you would need to tell people they can only subscribe or unsubscribe to a paid channel on their computer, is if such a paid channel existed. The Verge points out that this isn’t the first time that rumors of paid channels on YouTube have surfaced.
The coding does serve as the most tangible evidence that paid channels are on the way. Google is still mum about this kind of coding and for now it appears the coding only exists in the Android app update. Earlier rumors hinted that YouTube would start offering subscription plans for anywhere between $1 and $5 per month.
Pair this YouTube app update with the news that Google is looking to launch a subscription music service later this year. Google looks to be trying its best to make a real run at the online entertainment industry.
