YouTube is scaling down YouTube Originals, which was first created in 2016. The Google-owned company said Tuesday that, moving forward, it will only be funding originals that are part of its Black Voices and YouTube Kids funds. (Adweek)
Over six years, YouTube made few titles that looked like breakout hits. And by the end, it was unclear what the original programming provided strategically to a service that’s already one of the most popular video destinations in the world. (The Verge)
Instead, YouTube more recently has focused on original unscripted and documentary series with the release of Will Smith’s Best Shape of My Life, Michelle Obama’s Creators for Change, Demi Lovato’s Dancing With the Devil and a documentary about Alicia Keys, among others. (THR)
Susanne Daniels is exiting YouTube after nearly seven years at the Google-owned global video-sharing company. The YouTube global head of original content will depart in March. (Variety)
Daniels joined YouTube in 2015 to create a slate of original dramas, comedies and unscripted series, aiming to attract high-end advertisers and persuade more of the site’s users to pay for a premium service. She commissioned the hit series Cobra Kai, as well as some popular documentaries. (Bloomberg)