The BBC has announced a partnership with YouTube to produce original content tailored for the video streaming platform’s digital-native audience, marking a shift from the broadcaster’s previous approach of using YouTube primarily to promote clips and trailers for its own UK programming.

The agreement will see the BBC create content across entertainment, documentaries, children’s channels, news, and sport, beginning with coverage of the Winter Olympics in February. Programming will feature advertising when viewed outside the UK, generating additional revenue for the corporation as its future funding model faces review.

The new content will be available on YouTube and may also appear on the BBC’s iPlayer and Sounds platforms. The BBC plans to expand its YouTube presence to 50 channels, up from its current offerings, which include a main account with more than 15 million subscribers and a separate BBC News channel with around 19 million subscribers.

Within the UK, the BBC will not carry advertising around its content on YouTube. The corporation has not previously produced an original series specifically for the platform.

“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,” BBC Director General Tim Davie said in the announcement. “Importantly, this partnership also allows new audiences different routes into BBC services like BBC iPlayer and Sounds.”

Training Initiative for UK Creators

The partnership includes a training program led by the National Film and Television School that will invite 150 media professionals to develop YouTube skills through workshops and events. The initiative supports the UK government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan.

Pedro Pina, Vice President of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) for YouTube, said the partnership translates “the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience.”

“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,” Pina said.

Industry Context

The BBC’s move follows broader industry trends documented by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. A survey of 280 digital leaders across 51 countries found that 76% of publishers plan to encourage journalists to behave more like creators in 2026, while 70% expressed concern that creators are drawing time and attention away from their content.

YouTube ranked as the top platform focus for 2026 among surveyed publishers, posting a net priority score of +74, up 22 points from 2025. TikTok and Instagram followed with scores of +56 and +41, respectively. Publishers reported reduced emphasis on Facebook, X, and traditional Google search optimization.

The Reuters Institute research indicates that 79% of publisher respondents said increased investment in video would be important in the coming year, while 71% plan to expand audio formats such as podcasts.

BBC Studios has already demonstrated success with digital content through properties like “Bluey,” which reached 10 million YouTube subscribers and received YouTube’s “Diamond Creator Award.” The company plans to triple its investment in original digital content over the coming year with multiple new channel launches.

In December, the number of people watching YouTube in the UK reached 52 million, overtaking the BBC’s combined offerings at 51 million on certain metrics for the first time, according to data from rating agency Barb.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said in 2025 that the BBC’s licence fee is “unenforceable” and that “no options are off the table” as the government reviews the corporation’s current funding model.

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