YouTube’s new Primetime Channels puts 34 streaming services in one place

Enlarge / YouTube announced the Primetime Channels feature today. (credit: YouTube)

As many feared, the proliferation of streaming services has made cutting the cord feel a lot like cable TV. Not only do those cheaper monthly subscription fees start adding up, but figuring out which service has the content you want and juggling apps can feel as time-consuming and cumbersome as flipping channels. YouTube's Primetime Channels announced today aims to change that by unifying and selling content from 34 streaming partners on YouTube.

Primetime Channels begins its rollout in the US with streaming services from partners, including AMC+, Epix, Paramount+, Starz, and Showtime, available to subscribe to and watch in YouTube's Movies & Shows section. More streaming services, including NBA League Pass, are en route, a blog post from YouTube's director of product management, Erin Teague, said.

The full list of Primetime Channels partners include some smaller names. (credit: YouTube)

Primetime Channels content will be visible alongside any other YouTube content, including in recommendations and when searching among purchased content, Teague's blog said. The executive told The Verge that Primetime Channels content wouldn't get preferential treatment in recommendations or search results over other content. That means a viral video about Showtime's Yellowjackets could rank higher than an actual episode of the series when looking at recommendations or search results. You'll even be able to like, dislike, or comment on videos from Primetime Channels, although there will be no viewer count.

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