Google is preparing an ad-free subscription service for YouTube, said to launch within the next few months for customers in the U.S. with a global launch coming later in the year.

The ad-free option will be the first time Google has gone system-wide rather than channel by channel when it comes to ad-free content. Last year, it announced paid channels offering content for $0.99 to $6.99 per month, but it managed little success.

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Google might be looking into revamping its paywall content to include old and new channels. This would mean parts or all of a channel can be hidden behind a paywall, and subscribers can watch all the videos for a monthly payment.

This could include things like behind the scenes, Q&A or stream VODs. For newer channels that want all content paywalled, it would allow TV channels like HBO (that have been actively looking for partnerships) to offer its service on YouTube for $15 per month.

That's looking far ahead though since Google's previous paywall attempts were met with stern resistance from YouTubers and the community.

Paywalling a small amount of content might give YouTubers a new way to acquire revenue. It would also allow fans to have an exclusive part of the channel where videos are posted, allowing more interaction and a stronger community fanbase.

YouTube channels like RosterTeeth regularly host paywalled content on their own website -- not posting it on YouTube. This new paywall system might allow them to move that subscriber based content onto YouTube.

It's a smart move by Google to cover all angles, allowing ad-free content, paywalled content and subscription channels. The launch of its streaming service with an emphasis on gaming could also tie into these new paywall services and allow stream VODs as we mentioned beforehand.

Google has been losing its majority hold of internet video with the growth of Netflix worldwide along with Facebook's new mission to create video content. Also, unlike the two previously mentioned companies, YouTube doesn't make any profit for Google despite having over one billion active accounts.

It needs these new revenue sources and potential streaming models to differentiate YouTubers and services on the platform. Even if it's a bit too late to compete on TV shows and films against Netflix, it can still remain a dominant video service when it comes to casual content like Let's Plays, reviews and other material.

TagsYouTube, tv shows, internet videos, paywall, ad-block