Is BBC going YouTube-first to reach younger audiences?

WEB DESK: The BBC is preparing to produce original, bespoke programming specifically for YouTube, marking a significant departure for the publicly funded broadcaster. Traditionally focused on its own platforms such as iPlayer and linear channels like BBC One and BBC Two, the move reflects the growing challenge posed by digital platforms and changing viewing habits.

As reported by the FT, according to sources familiar with the plan, content created for YouTube will later be available on BBC iPlayer and Sounds, and will include shows targeting younger audiences, children’s programming, sports content, and news formats designed to counter misinformation online. Older BBC series may also appear, but new, tailored content is the primary focus.

The initiative comes amid a notable shift in audience trends. In December 2025, YouTube’s UK viewership surpassed the combined reach of all BBC channels for the first time, highlighting the platform’s dominance among younger viewers who increasingly rely on online streaming.

Financially, the arrangement allows the BBC to monetize international viewership through advertising, boosting revenue alongside its domestic license-fee funding. The deal is expected to formalize the corporation’s relationship with BBC Studios, which manages its commercial content.

Industry observers say the move signals a broader trend of “platform-first” strategies, as traditional broadcasters adapt to compete with global streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney. It may also open the door for future partnerships or collaborations with other public-sector broadcasters to maintain competitiveness in an evolving media landscape.

BBC and YouTube have declined to comment on the agreement.

YouTube Pivot Draws Mixed Reaction From Media Industry

While the shift has been described as a landmark moment for the BBC, some industry professionals note that the corporation’s commercial arm has long operated in the space. One said BBC Studios had been monetising full-length programmes overseas and producing original content for the platform years ago. “It’s good to see the public service side join the game,” he remarked, adding that the move felt “late to the party.”

Others urged caution, pointing out that key details of the agreement remain unclear. Questions have been raised over whether the strategy is genuinely “YouTube-first” or simply involves exclusive content later repurposed for BBC platforms. Observers note that reporting so far has described the shows as “unique,” but has stopped short of clarifying their release model or funding structure.

The deal comes as YouTube overtook the BBC’s combined UK channels in total reach last December, underscoring the pressure on traditional broadcasters to follow audiences onto global platforms. Media analysts say the BBC’s pivot reflects a broader industry trend, as public and private broadcasters rethink long-standing distribution models to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.