YouTube launches Primetime Channels in Germany

YouTube has launched its Primetime Channels super-aggregated streaming bundle in Germany – the first launch for the service outside the US.

The German version of the service allows users to sign up for paid subscriptions to a range of streaming services from €2.99 upwards, with a full Season Pass offering all content available for €99.99, according to Jens Kirsch, strategic partners manager and Primetime Channels lead, in a blog.

The content line-up so far includes services ARDPlus from pubcaster ARD, Crime+Investigation Play, American football in Europe offering European League of Football, local mini-bundle Fernsehen Mit Herz or ‘Television with Heart’ (which includes Romance TV, Heimatkanal and Goldstar TV), Motor Vision TV, Sport1+, Sportdigital Fußball, History Play and World of Freesports.

Services to follow shortly include eSports1, Bergblick TV, Waidwerk and Jukebox.

Paramount+ is set to join the offering later in the year, and YouTube promises that the service will be expanded with other offerings.

Primetime Channels can be accessed via the ‘movies & TV’ hub on the YouTube site.

YouTube Primetime Channels launched in thew US in November last year, with an offering that included Paramount+, AMC+, Showtime, Starz and Shudder. YouTube also distributes the NBA League Pass via Primetime Channels alongside its availability on YouTube TV.

Primetime Channels is distinct from YouTube TV, the video service’s subscription offering that includes live TV.

The early version of the Primetime Channels service available in the US does not allow users to watch ad-free programming or download programming for offline viewing. At launch, the US service was priced at US$64.99, matching the price of YouTube TV.