YouTube opens retail shop off back of its 'Creators'
Following news of the new Google-owned 'YouTube Space' in the UK that gives YouTube stars a hub to record and edit videos, according to Business Insider UK, the service will also double up as a Creator Store. The retail-style shop will give the top YouTubers the opportunity to sell merchandise at the gift shop, including T-shirts, books and mugs. The shop will also act as a coffee shop and a meeting spot where people can check out the stars in action. Profits will go directly to the creators.
Check out: YouTube fandom and why creating "marketing gold" is a balancing act for HP
Pandora to expand
After years of apparent resistance, Pandora is said to be in the process of officially signing deals with record companies to launch a US$10 a month on-demand streaming tier. The move, according to the WSJ, would give users unlimited access to any song on the platform. The WSJ says next month it is set to offer its hallmark free tier as well as two new monthly subscription options, marking its foray into on-demand music streaming.
Just last week in Australia Pandora launched an in-store radio for Woolworths.
Amazon beefs up abroad
Amazon’s latest slate of original TV show pilots are out in the US and include I Love Dick, with Kevin Bacon; The Tick; and a post-modern self-depiction show called Jean-Claude Van Johnson, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, as well as many more shows. While the streaming service Amazon Prime is yet to launch in Australia, rumours of its arrival have been bubbling all year – meaning yet another SVOD player to enter the already crowded market. Amazon has been upping its original content efforts of late and according to reports, having seen the success of Netflix in Australia, it believes it can compete head on with the US company.
Earlier this month the ACCC said it's to investigate mobile and streaming sectors.
News Corp boss pens letter about youth employment
Over the weekend, News Corp launched a national initiative with the aim of creating 5000 new jobs for young people in 50 days. The “5000 Jobs in 50 Days” campaign kicked off on Saturday, with boss Michael Miller penning an open letter published in News Corp papers. The initiative allocates $1 million in advertising space to jobs for young people. It also offers 250 Australians with internships at the publishing house.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.