The BBC has confirmed plans to commission original programming for YouTube for the first time in a bid to reach younger, global audiences.

The move represents a significant shift in the broadcaster’s relationship with the US-owned tech platform, which has increasingly absorbed audience attention. Until now, the BBC has primarily used YouTube, owned by Google, to distribute clips and trailers promoting its own programmes in the UK.

Under the new approach, the broadcaster will create content specifically designed for YouTube’s digital-native audience. Some programmes may also be made available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

The new shows will feature advertising when viewed outside the UK, generating additional revenue at a time when the BBC’s future funding model remains under debate.

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The strategy builds on the BBC’s existing digital footprint. The broadcaster’s data shows BBC Studios content attracts around 15 billion views on YouTube each year.

BBC director general Tim Davie described the initiative as a “ground breaking partnership” that will allow the organisation to connect with audiences in new ways.

“We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training programme to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK,” he said .

The BBC will expand its YouTube activity by building “targeted communities” for UK children and young adults. Plans include the launch of new channels such as Deepwatch, which will feature new and existing BBC documentaries, alongside seven new children’s channels.

The announcement comes as YouTube viewing in the UK overtook the BBC’s combined channels for the first time in December last year, according to ratings agency Barb. The data shows YouTube reached 51.9 million viewers, compared with 50.9 million viewers across all BBC channels. As a result, YouTube is now the most-watched platform in the UK.

Speaking at the Westminster Media Forum today (21 January), ITV group director of strategy, policy and regulation, Magnus Brooke, warned the public service broadcasting (PSB) system could be undermined if viewing continues to migrate to YouTube due to the amount of money being “extracted” from the PSB ecosystem.

ITV announced a distribution and commercial partnership with YouTube in December 2024, enabling hundreds of hours of ITV programming to be made available through YouTube’s partner programme.

“We’ve had to be very careful in the content we put on YouTube,” Brooke said. “We’ve tried as far as possible to enhance our reach incrementally, but that’s a temporary strategy, effectively, because in the end we’re giving away so much revenue.”

He added that conversations with YouTube, recent changes to the Media Act 2024 and greater collaboration between PSBs would be critical to ensuring long-term sustainability.

Elsewhere, yesterday (20 January) Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos called YouTube a key competitor, claiming all the streamers are competing with the site across “every dimension for talent, for ad dollars, for subscription dollars and for all forms of content”. ITV in talks with Sky to sell broadcast arm

The partnership also aligns with the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, with the BBC and YouTube committing to invest in the “next generation of creators” across the UK.

Led by the National Film and Television School, 150 media professionals will be invited to develop their YouTube skills at workshops and events.

YouTube’s vice-president of EMEA, Pedro Pina says the partnership redefines the “boundaries of digital storytelling”.

“This partnership translates the BBC’s world class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience,” he said.

“Beyond the content, our first-of-its-kind training programme represents a deep investment in the UK’s creative pipeline designed to empower the next generation of British talent to lead the global creator economy. In doing so, we are not just telling the stories of today; we are building the stage for the storytellers of tomorrow.”