Posts Tagged: Originals
YouTube Originals announces slate of new content amidst COVID-19 #WithMe initiatives
YouTube Originals today announced a new slate of projects aimed to support, entertain and educate viewers around the world. Among the announcements, celebrities and educators come together to energize distance learning in “Celebrity Substitute” including Karlie Kloss working through a coding problem and Ken Jeong giving a Biology lesson; a weekly series “Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD,” following the UK recording artist and his band as they adjust to a remote lifestyle while creating music; a short-form family series, “Create Together #WithMe,” hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt featuring the creations of everyday people collaborating to make art on HITRECORD and YouTube while being at home; and “The Secret Life of Lele Pons” which gives an intimate look at battling Tourette Syndrome and OCD while juggling life in the spotlight.
In addition, engaging new content will come directly from notable YouTube personalities who will be able to leverage the global platform’s quality livestream capabilities from a safe space. Kicking off this new wave of content is a first-of-its-kind global live event, “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast,” hosted by top Creator and philanthropist MrBeast (34M subscribers) on April 25, where he will challenge some of the platform’s biggest stars to remotely go head-to-head in a battle of stay-at-home games where there can be only one winner. The proceeds will go to a COVID-19-related charitable organization.
“YouTube’s greatest strength is its ability as a global platform to build community and connection among people from all walks of life,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. “We’re working to develop exciting new original content that is relevant, useful, and entertaining in order to deepen those connections and give people an outlet to come together.”
Also, as part of YouTube’s continued commitment to families, beginning in May, several new kids & family Originals will launch and be available on YouTube and YouTube Kids. These new Originals will help inspire kids’ curiosity, creativity, resourcefulness and resiliency during these unusual times.
Below is the current list of planned new Originals rolling out within the next few months:
“Money Talks: Taxes” — Streaming now!
In this new Learning Playlist, a roundtable of leading female financial experts provide answers to the questions surrounding personal finances that we are all desperate to know. Offering a step by step guide for viewers, this first series of videos covers pressing questions about filing taxes and the COVID-19 stimulus check. “Money Talks” is produced by Refinery29.
“The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast” — Live stream premieres April 25 at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT
A global LIVE event where popular YouTube creator, MrBeast (34M subscribers), challenges the platform’s biggest stars to remotely go head-to-head in a first-of-its-kind battle of stay-at-home games where there can be only one winner. “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast” will encourage viewers to donate to support COVID-19-related charitable organizations and is produced by Night Media and Fly On the Wall.
“Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD” — Series premieres April 27
This weekly episodic series follows UK recording artist, YUNGBLUD, through a month at a rental apartment in L.A. Along with four friends – his manager, videographer and two bandmates with whom he is quarantined – YUNGBLUD attempts to shoot a music video, write new songs, cook meals and stay connected to his UK-based family and avid global fanbase, all within the disconcerting shelter-at-home restrictions. “Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD” will encourage viewers to donate to support No Kid Hungry and is produced by Stick Figure Entertainment.
“#MoveWithMe” — Global Dance Event premieres April 29
In celebration of International Dance Day (April 29), this special will feature acclaimed choreographer Matt Steffanina as host, and talented dancers and choreographers from across the globe as they come together to provide dance-lovers with high octane performances to today’s chart topping songs in a way that can only be done on YouTube. Choreographers and dancers including LaurieAnn Gibson, WilldaBeast Adams, Chachi Gonzales, Kasia Jukowska, Vale Merino, Sonali Bhadauria, FitDance, Kaelynn KK Harris, Twist And Pulse, D-trix and more will be featured. “#MoveWithMe” will encourage viewers to donate to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO during the event and is produced by Den of Thieves.
“Stream #WithMe (UK)” — Live stream premieres April 30
In “Stream #WithMe”, a star-studded crew of some of the UK’s most loved YouTube creators and stars let us in on how they are coping with the lockdown experience in a livestream celebration of solidarity. The all-star group of creators and celebrities will share tips on how to keep entertained, upbeat, and active as they tag-team their way through four hours of joyful unexpected performances and exciting challenges culminating in an almighty stunt for the nation. “Stream #WithMe” will encourage viewers to donate to support NHS Charities Together and is made in partnership with Electric Robin (part of EndemolShine UK).
“Celebrity Substitute” — Series premieres May 7
Around the world, millions of students are joining virtual classrooms as part of the current distance learning initiative and teachers are looking for ways to keep their students engaged and focused to stay on target with their curriculum. In this series, some of the brightest celebrities and educators come together to energize distance learning. In each episode, a celebrity steps in to teach crucial high school lessons with real teachers. Some examples include Karlie Kloss working through a coding problem, or Ken Jeong giving a biology lesson that will be remembered for years to come. Additional celebrity substitutes include: Bill Nye, Camila Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Terry Crews. “Celebrity Substitute” is produced by B17 Entertainment.
“The Secret Life of Lele Pons” — Series premieres May 19
In this raw and intimate five-part series, internet personality and music artist Lele Pons shares a side to her that no one knows about… Her lifelong struggle with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. Viewers will follow along on her journey of building and expanding her music career while battling what was previously hidden. Link to official trailer HERE. “The Secret Life of Lele Pons” is a Shots Studios Production.
“BookTube – Read with Me Special and Mental Health Episode” — Premieres May 21 and June 2020
The critically-acclaimed monthly book club, “BookTube,” is creating a special “Read With Me” episode premiering May 21. Now more than ever, people around the world are turning to books to help them feel connected. This special episode will feature several celebrities, booktubers, and authors – including Melinda Gates, John Grisham, James Patterson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nicholas Sparks, Elaine Welteroth, and many more – sharing their current book recommendations. Additionally, the June 2020 episode of “BookTube” will feature authors Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General (author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World), Lori Gottlieb (author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) and Haemin Sunim (author of The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down) discussing anxiety, mental health, and advice for self care during these uncertain times. “BookTube” is produced by Boardwalk Pictures.
“Create Together #WithMe” (working title) — Series premieres May 2020
This mini-series, hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, invites friends and families from all over the world who are coping with this unprecedented time of isolation to come together and showcase their creativity and collaboration. Rather than profiling lone artists and showcasing their finished work, each weekly episode will document the creative process as people find each other online and remotely collaborate on a variety of family friendly projects—short films, short documentaries, music videos, and more. Anybody can come be a part of the show on HITRECORD, Gordon-Levitt’s Emmy-winning platform for creative collaboration. “Create Together #WithMe” is produced by Brian Graden Media and HITRECORD.
“Locked Down” (working title) — Scripted series premieres May 2020
A social media mystery in a social distancing era! This scripted event series follows a group of bored teens working together online to solve a mystery involving one of their neighbors. Shot entirely via webcam and smartphone, “Locked Down” is a suspenseful look at how young people stay in touch while having to stay away, as well as what happens when boredom leads to suspicion. The story unfolds almost in real-time as the friend group works together – from a distance – to solve the mystery, while also exploring their own anxieties and frustrations about life during a pandemic. “Locked Down” is created and produced by Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment (Dino Dana, Endlings, Odd Squad).
“Untitled Juanpa and Luisito Project” (LATAM) — Series premieres May 2020
Latin America’s top YouTube creators Juanpa Zurita (10.2M subscribers) and Luisito Communica (30.6M subscribers) come together for the first time to document an unprecedented situation (COVID-19 quarantine) in an unprecedented way. Filmed entirely under quarantine with no physical interaction, viewers will hear first hand personal stories from around the globe, including YouTube creators, health specialists, and everyday people as they reflect on their reality. Their challenges, their hopes, their solutions, their stories of inspiration and most importantly the resilience of human nature. This limited series will give a voice to individuals around the globe to unify us regardless of region or language. This project is produced by DW Entertainment & Media.
These new projects join a robust slate of learning, music and personality-focused original series and specials including “Kevin Hart: What the Fit,” (new episodes premiere each Thursday), YouTube Originals’ first beauty competition series, “Instant Influencer with James Charles” (premiering April 24), “TWICE: Seize the Light,” an 8-part docu-series on the K-pop girl group (premiering April 29 KST) and “Dude Perfect: Backstage Pass” chronicling the YouTube supergroup’s rise to fame (premiering May 11). Personality-driven projects including third seasons of hit scripted series “Cobra Kai” and “Liza on Demand,” “This is Paris” starring Paris Hilton and an unprecedented live event with David Blaine are scheduled to come later this year.
As part of YouTube Originals’ programming strategy, YouTube’s audience of two billion logged-in monthly users will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy new, upcoming original series and specials, focused on music, learning, personalities and kids & families, for free with ads. YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Premium, will continue to offer ad-free access to all YouTube Originals as well as bingeabilty and exclusive content for select programs behind the paywall.
This news comes on the heels of YouTube’s recent announcements to release popular legacy and kids & family original content in front of the paywall, and the larger global initiative to encourage the world to stay home and save lives through the platform’s At Home #WithMe campaign. The campaign expands upon #WithMe — a trend continuing to grow on YouTube over the past 15 years — showcasing how people all around the world find community and engage with one another, especially during this time of crisis. From Emma Chamberlain, Markiplier and The Dolan Twins, to Karlie Kloss, Venus Williams, Sam Smith, Shawn Mendes, Hailee Steinfeld, J Balvin and many more, the campaign features YouTube creators, music artists, athletes and celebrities who have all made a home on YouTube.
YouTube Originals announces new documentary, “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert.” Premieres March 31.
In celebration of Coachella’s 20th anniversary, YouTube Originals is partnering with Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for a feature-length documentary, “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert.” It is set to premiere March 31. The announcement comes on the heels of Coachella’s official 2020 lineup, and for the tenth year in a row, YouTube is back as the exclusive live stream partner for both weekends of the iconic music festival. Watch the first teaser of “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert” here.
A documentary feature two decades in the making, “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert” opens up the vault for the very first time to present the performances and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the music festival. The film gives a rare look at Coachella’s colorful beginning, presents exclusive, never-before-seen footage and interviews, and features key performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Billie Eilish, Kanye West, Daft Punk, Travis Scott, BLACKPINK, LCD Soundsystem, Rage Against The Machine, Pixies, Swedish House Mafia, Jane’s Addiction, Björk, The White Stripes, Madonna, Moby, Beck, Radiohead and more.
YouTube also announced today that it will return for the tenth year in a row as the official playlist and live stream partner for both weekends of Coachella. This year, YouTube Premium members will receive exclusive Coachella perks, including access to a members-only allocation of passes for purchase. As general on-sale Weekend 1 passes are sold out, YouTube Premium members are one of the only groups with access to this limited supply. YouTube continues to take the magic of Coachella beyond the Indio desert and into the homes and phones of millions of people around the world, providing a global stage for artists and fans to connect with live stream performances from headliners to some of the biggest artists on the rise.
YouTube Announces First-Ever ‘Cash Fest’ Event in Nashville on November 10 Celebrating Release of YouTube Originals Documentary ‘The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash’
‘Cash Fest’ to Celebrate the Music of the Legendary Johnny Cash with Charity Concert Featuring Performances from Little Big Town, Perry & Etty Farrell, Matt Shultz Of Cage The Elephant, Elle King, Midland, Judah & The Lion, Cam, Grace Potter and More. Tickets on Sale Today!
In celebration of the November 11 premiere of the YouTube Originals documentary, “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash,” The Johnny Cash Trust and The Best Fest, in partnership with YouTube, are bringing fans the first-ever Cash Fest, an unprecedented charity concert in Nashville honoring the music of the legendary Johnny Cash. The revue-style show, taking place November 10 at the War Memorial Auditorium, will feature an all-star lineup performing their favorite Johnny Cash songs—including Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Devin Dawson, John Oates, Lucie Silvas, Wilder Woods, and more. Tickets for the event are available now: http://bit.ly/cashfest. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit MusiCares®, helping musicians with critical assistance in times of need.
In addition to the stellar Cash Fest lineup of all-stars, the event will also feature an incredible house band of seasoned musicians that have shared the stage with some of music’s most celebrated artists. Johnny Cash fans in the audience will also get a sneak peek of the documentary, with clips playing throughout the evening ahead of its YouTube debut.
The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash (TRAILER), created with the full cooperation of the Cash estate and rich in recently discovered archival materials, brings Cash the man out from behind the legend. Taking the remarkable Folsom Prison recording as a central motif and featuring interviews with family and celebrated collaborators, the 90-minute documentary from Emmy Award-winning director Thom Zimny (Elvis Presley: The Searcher, Springsteen on Broadway) explores the artistic victories, the personal tragedies, the struggles with addiction, and the spiritual pursuits that colored Johnny Cash’s life. The documentary will be available for free on YouTube Originals on November 11.
“The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash” is directed by Thom Zimny and produced by Thom Zimny, Glen Zipper, Sean Stuart and Jillian Apfelbaum. Frank Marshall, Ryan Suffern, Jeff Pollack, John Carter Cash, Josh Matas, Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Ryan Friedkin and Jasmine Daghighian serve as executive producers. The documentary is an Imperative Entertainment and Kennedy/Marshall production in association with Sutter Road Picture Company and The John R Cash Trust. The original composition for this project was composed and performed by Mike McCready. The documentary originally made its debut in March at the SXSW Film Festival and also screened recently at the 50th Annual Nashville Film Festival and the Telluride Film Festival as part of the event’s Backlot Series. “The Gift: The Journey Of Johnny Cash: Original Score Music From A Film By Thom Zimny,” will be released in November by Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment.
To purchase tickets to Cash Fest, please visit http://bit.ly/cashfest. All ticket net proceeds will benefit MusiCares. For event details, please visit https://www.wmarocks.com/event/cash-fest/. Follow @youtubemusic on social for additional behind-the-scenes event captures.
YouTube Originals will be free to watch starting on September 24th
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Highlights from the Brandcast stage: New YouTube Originals and advertiser offerings
Primetime is no longer defined by the time the show is aired, but by the connection that content has with its audience. We see this reflected through over 150 million hours of YouTube watchtime per day on TV screens alone.1 In this next era of entertainment and information, we’re more committed than ever to YouTube being a platform for fresh voices, authentic stories, and thought-provoking dialogue.
Tonight at our seventh annual newfront event, Brandcast, we unveiled the latest content trends and new ways for advertisers to connect with their most attentive audience to drive unmatched results for their business. Brandcast is where advertisers, creators and fans come together to celebrate the vibrant community of YouTube.
Doubling down on can’t-get-enough-of original content
At last year’s Brandcast, we announced our new slate of ad-supported YouTube Originals, bringing shows from top Hollywood talent and YouTube creators to everyone, everywhere. From the Slow Mo Guys to Kevin Hart, our first year slate of brand-sponsored shows amassed over 700 million views across all episodes and related clips.2
Katy Perry’s 96-hour livestream, “Witness World Wide,” was named one of Time Magazine’s Top 10 TV shows of 2017, and just today, “Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated” was nominated for Best Music Documentary for the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards. All of this content was free and available to YouTube’s 1.8 billion monthly logged-in users3 as a result of partnerships with brands like Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Ulta Beauty, LL Bean and more.
As we move into our second year, we plan to build on the success of our first. We’re using the global reach of YouTube to shine a light on the human stories that inspire us, make us smarter and demonstrate the potential of what we can achieve. Here’s a sneak peek of a new slate of shows that will not only engage and entertain, but also celebrate diverse and authentic voices:
- Will Smith: The Jump Off: In partnership with Westbrook Entertainment, Will Smith is going to epic heights in his new YouTube Original, “Will Smith: The Jump Off.” In this special, Will accepts the ultimate YouTube fan challenge to bungee jump from a helicopter—all to raise awareness for charity. The cameras will follow him as he prepares for the big jump, which we’ll livestream on his birthday.
- Priyanka Chopra: If I Could Tell You Just One Thing: From Sundog Pictures, Priyanka Chopra will go on a personal journey to meet the world’s most successful and inspirational people—each time asking them for advice they feel can change the world. From actors and politicians to religious leaders and environmentalists, star of the show Priyanka will speak with the people who will go down in history as having challenged the status quo.
- Jack Whitehall: Training Days: In this show, comedian and actor Jack Whitehall trains with the world’s most elite soccer players—and has a little behind-the-scenes fun in the process. Sponsored by Wendy’s in the U.S., “Training Days” is executive produced by James Corden and Fulwell 73 and will launch to fans around the world on Jack’s YouTube channel on May 9, ahead of the World Cup.
- Best Shot: Executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, “Best Shot” is a new documentary series following the Newark Central High School Blue Devils as they find community through basketball and receive mentorship from former NBA player Jay Williams. Directed by Michael John Warren and produced by SpringHill Entertainment and Boardwalk Pictures in association with Blue Ribbon Content, “Best Shot” will debut on the NBA YouTube channel this summer.
After generating significant viewership, we’re bringing back these audience favorites:
- Untitled Demi Lovato Project: In her new YouTube Original, Demi is returning to show fans a side of herself beyond her music to raise awareness about issues that matter. Demi will draw from personal experiences and passions to pay it forward to some of her biggest fans and closest friends. From Philymack Productions and London Alley.
- The Super Slow Show Season 2: In partnership with Rooster Teeth Productions, the Slow Mo Guys are returning with a renewed focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Through the lens of education, the Slow Mo Guys will explore the tiniest phenomena and greatest spectacles—all in slow motion.
- Kevin Hart: What the Fit Season 2: Kevin Hart is returning with even bigger punch lines and celebrity guests. In partnership with Lionsgate and Laugh Out Loud Network, this second season will raise more awareness of healthy living and wellness, as Kevin and his celebrity friends try out some of the most unique and outlandish workout routines.
In addition to the can’t-miss shows above, we’re also excited to announce we will be rolling out even more Artist Spotlight Stories—intimate and personal video portraits of music artists who are pushing the boundaries of creativity and connecting with fans in unique and powerful ways on YouTube. We will be partnering with artists, including Shawn Mendes, J Balvin, Janelle Monáe, and more, on Spotlight Stories this year.
Making even more top content accessible to advertisers
Every one of the shows outlined above will be available through Google Preferred—our premium content offering for advertisers—so that brands can continue to access some of the most popular stars and inspiring stories on YouTube. Year-over-year, we continue to see tremendous growth from Google Preferred. In fact, Google Preferred Lineups reach more 18-49 year-olds monthly than any cable network or full episode player.4
Today, we’re adding to that momentum. For the very first time, Google Preferred Lineups and Breakout Videos will include our complete music universe, including eligible VEVO channels and videos. This gives brands the unprecedented opportunity to advertise against virtually all music in the world, from fresh talent to the most popular music icons. Thank you to our partners at Sony Music, Universal Music Group and VEVO who have joined Warner Music Group and countless independent record labels to bring all of this exciting music to you.
We’re also focused on giving brands even more opportunities to advertise against some of the most influential live music events with Google Preferred and sponsorships. Once again, we are an official livestream partner of the Global Citizen Festival, and we will livestream shows from multiple cities around the world. And, we’re thrilled to announce we have renewed our exclusive livestream partnership with Coachella for an additional three years. The renewal will take YouTube through 2021, which will mark 11 consecutive years of a Coachella webcast on YouTube.
Beyond music, we are also launching a new product improvement to help advertisers reach audiences among some of YouTube’s most popular content. We’re adding new signals to enhance affinity segments on Google Preferred so advertisers can engage with the most relevant audience, creating a richer experience for brands and users alike.
Offering undivided attention and unmatched results
We’ve always believed that when you put the user first, great things will follow. By providing our audience with a home for immersive, engaging video content and our advertising partners new ways to reach their customers that are relevant and assistive, we can deliver greater impact for everyone. Looking across Nielsen Matched Panel Analysis (MPA) studies we’ve run to date, we see that over 70 percent of YouTube campaigns drove a significant lift on offline sales.5
We recognize the need to hold ourselves accountable with first- and third-party measurement tools. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted experts, such as MOAT on viewability and Nielsen on reach, among others. And tonight we announced we’ll continue this work by extending sales lift measurement to Nielsen Catalina Solutions, soon giving advertisers a new option to measure the effectiveness of YouTube campaigns at moving products off the shelves.
Check out #Brandcast to see highlights from the night.
Kate Stanford, Head of Global Advertiser Marketing at YouTube, recently watched “WORLD RECORD – Longest Domino Line EVER!”
1YouTube Internal Data, Global, Accurate as of Jan 2018. Based on seven day average of watchtime for TV screen devices, which include smart TVs, Roku/Apple TV and game consoles
2Google Data, Global, April 2018
3YouTube Internal Data, Global, March 2018
4Google commissioned Nielsen custom fusion study. Desktop, mobile and TV fusion. TV measurement of all individual U.S. cable networks. Reach among person 18-49 (Live +7, one minute qualifier), television only, September 2017.
5Commissioned Nielsen Matched Panel Analyses – Base: 55 YouTube Campaigns from 2016-2017 across nine countries; count based on tested strategies with a lift based on a one-sided significance >80 percent
YouTube’s 2017 lineup of Red Originals includes six new shows
Other than its innovated VR180 format and YouTube TV expansion, Google's video streaming site found time to mention its subscription package during Vidcon 2017. For 2017 the YouTube Red Originals lineup has a mix of new series on the way including an…
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‘Alien: Covenant’ preview evokes original’s nostalgic last supper
While the first official trailer for Alien: Covenant showed us terrifying images of a colony ship gone horribly wrong, this new preview gives us a full, uncut scene. It's a stunning glimpse at the titular ship's crew relaxing together with a final me…
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Get your popcorn ready! Our first YouTube Red Originals are now available
YouTube Red Originals are now live! The first four original series and movies from your favorite creators are now available, exclusively for YouTube Red members. Members can now enjoy movies and shows from Lilly Singh, Rooster Teeth, PewDiePie and AwesomenessTV. And fans who haven’t signed up for YouTube Red yet can watch short previews or sign up for a free 30-day trial YouTube Red membership.
Here are the first of many new YouTube Red Originals to come :
- A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh as she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.
- Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy from Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.
- Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of “The Walking Dead” at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter as PewDiePie encounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.
- Dance Camp: This film from AwesomenessTV weaves an amazing story of unlikely friendships, unleashing passions, and discovering yourself all through the power of dance.
We’ve loved working with our creators on these series and movies and seeing them take their passion to new heights. We’ve never seen PewDiePie more scared or seen Lilly crush it as hard as she does on her world tour. We’re blown away by Meg DeAngelis’ moves and the way the Dance Camp crew breaks it down. And who ever thought the human race could rely on the Rooster Teeth guys to save them from an alien invasion? We love these new features and couldn’t be more excited to share them with YouTube Red members today.
And as we mentioned in our blog post last week, this is just the beginning. We’re also excited to announce two brand new projects set to be released later this year:
- Untitled Gigi Gorgeous Project: YouTube creator Gigi Gorgeous and two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple have partnered with SELECTNEXT and Sander/Moses to create this feature-length documentary that explores the intimate journey of a transgender woman from her childhood to life as a successful media personality. Together, they will ask the question, “What does it mean to be transgender in the uncensored new media world?”
- Foursome: An original series from AwesomenessTV, stars Jenn McAllister (JennxPenn) as Andie, an undateable sophomore — thanks to her older brother Alec (Logan Paul), who makes sure no guy comes near her. Andie must rely on the unbreakable bond she has with her three best friends, as they navigate the hormone-induced journey known as high school.
And as we previously announced last year, we have a full slate of YouTube Red original series and movies from even more of your favorite creators over the next few months:
- Prank Academy: YouTube’s most sensational pranksters, Jesse and Jeana of PrankvsPrank and BFvsGF, take their mischief to the next level and put their expertise to work as they mentor celebrity guests, teaching them how to pull off their most ambitious and complicated pranks yet with the help of some of YouTube’s biggest stars.
- Fight of the Living Dead: In an unprecedented social experiment reality show from Alpine Labs, “Fight of the Living Dead” takes popular YouTube talent and traps them in a frighteningly realistic zombie apocalypse. They must use their instincts and gaming skills to survive as they battle the elements for the ultimate prize of survival.
- Untitled 360 Game Theory: YouTube educator and pop culture expert MatPat from The Game Theorists invites the audience to come along for the ride in an innovative new series and 360 VR experience. In each episode Matt explores the real-life science behind popular video games by throwing gamers into the high-stakes scenarios they play through every day, from water jetpacks to bomb disposal.
- Bad Internet: Written by and starring the cast of CollegeHumor, along with special guests, this new anthology series will take a dark and comedic look at the absurdity of Internet culture.
As you can see, 2016 is shaping up to be an exciting year for YouTube Red members with a steady stream of amazing new original movies and series coming soon. YouTube Red members can check out our new YouTube Red Originals channel to stay up to date on the latest movies, shows, clips, trailers and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from your favorite creators. And if you haven’t already, sign up here for a YouTube Red membership and the first month is on us (if you’re outside the U.S., you can click here for more details on availability in your country).
Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube, recently watched “Elton John Carpool Karaoke.”
Roll out the YouTube Red carpet! Our first YouTube Red Originals premiere February 10
The wait is over! On February 10, we’ll premiere the first of our YouTube Red Originals. In addition to getting all of YouTube uninterrupted and a premium YouTube Music experience, a YouTube Red membership will now give you exclusive access to new original series and movies from some of our top creators, beginning with these first four:
- A Trip to Unicorn Island: From the team at Astronauts Wanted, this feature-length movie gives fans an extraordinary look inside the life and journey of Lilly Singh as she embarks on a challenging 26-city global tour where she has to remember to practice what she preaches: happiness is the only thing worth fighting for.
- Dance Camp: This feature film from AwesomenessTV weaves an amazing story of unlikely friendships, unleashing passions and discovering yourself all through the power of dance.
- Lazer Team: In this feature-length action-comedy from Rooster Teeth and Fullscreen Films, four small-town losers stumble upon an alien ship carrying a mysterious cargo, leading to a battle to save Earth from an all-powerful enemy.
- Scare PewDiePie: In this reality-adventure series from the creator and executive producers of “The Walking Dead” at Skybound Entertainment and Maker Studios, experience thrills, chills and laughter as PewDiePie encounters terrifying situations inspired by his favorite video games.
The diverse, dynamic creators behind these films have already built massive audiences on YouTube, rivaling many cable shows. With YouTube Red Originals, we want to help them tell bigger and bolder stories that delight you, their fans. YouTube Red is your opportunity to support the passion projects your favorite creators have only dreamed about until now. If you haven’t already, sign up here for a YouTube Red membership and the first month is on us.
And these series and movies are just the beginning. We have lots more thrills, chills, LOLs, smiles, romances and surprises from more of your favorite YouTube stars coming later this year. In the meantime, check out our new YouTube Red Originals channel to stay up to date on the latest clips, teasers and trailers for our series and movies.
If you live in a country where YouTube Red hasn’t launched yet, never fear! We’ve got you covered. Click here for more details on when these new series and movies will be available in your country and how you can watch them.
Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube, recently watched “Snowboarding With the NYPD.”