More Than Half of U.S. Households Want to Connect Pay-TV Services to YouTube

DALLAS: The international research firm Parks Associates reports that 59 percent of U.S. broadband households want access to on-demand YouTube content through their pay-TV service.

The firm finds that more than 80 percent of viewers interested in YouTube go for the free, ad-based offering. This means that few are willing to actually pay to watch YouTube content. However, as YouTube is investing in more original and professional content, creating a more TV-like experience, it is enhancing its value proposition to viewers, advertisers and pay-TV providers.

“Connected consumer electronics, particularly smart TVs, are changing the consumer experience and creating opportunities for providers to lure subscribers away from OTT services such as Netflix and Hulu," said Stuart Sikes, the president of Parks Associates. “Connected devices are impacting how companies distribute content, sell services, and position advertising. New business models and content services are dramatically changing the industry, making the focus of the CONNECTIONS Digital Living Conference extremely relevant.”