YouTube Will Double Its Original Programming in 2020, Focusing on Documentaries

More than 100 films and series are planned for this year

Last May, YouTube made a major shift to its original programming strategy, putting all of its original shows free in front of its paywall and streaming them with advertising—a move that was inspired by an Adweek cover story on Cobra Kai, YouTube chief business officer Robert Kyncl said last May. Less than a year later, the platform has plans to double its original output while continuing to offer both ad-supported (free) and ad-free (subscription) options.

“We are really pleased with this new direction and for what it means for our fans and for our business,” YouTube global head of original content Susanne Daniels said at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif.

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