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Swedish YouTube star PewDiePie told Business Insider he believes ad-blocking software led to the development and launch of YouTube Red, the ad-free subscription service YouTube now offers viewers at $9.99 per month. PewDiePie cites the recent doubling of the percentage of his viewers using ad-blocking software. While there are certainly other factors at work, he may be partially right.
YouTube and online video in general have acted as an alternative to TV, with the benefit of greater choice in content available when the viewer wants to consume it. Take away ads, and YouTube may have another step up on television (and cable TV, which is a paid subscription that retains ads). One thing to remember is that someone has to pay for it, and YouTube Red’s model incorporates payment to creators that opt in for advertisements on the YouTube platform. It will be interesting to see what developments follow the initial launch of YouTube Red.
http://www.businessinsider.com/pewdiepie-says-ad-blockers-led-to-youtube-red-2015-10