BBC and YouTube in Talks Over Landmark Content Deal

The BBC is in discussions with YouTube over a major new partnership that would see the British broadcaster create original content specifically for the video platform.

The proposed deal, first reported by the Financial Times, could be announced as early as next week. Under the arrangement, the BBC would produce bespoke short-form and long-form programs for YouTube, rather than simply uploading existing television shows. The content would also be available on the BBC’s own platforms, including BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

This approach would mark a shift from how many other UK broadcasters use YouTube. While rivals often post full episodes of previously aired programs, the BBC would commission content designed specifically for digital audiences on the platform.

Targeting Younger Viewers

The talks reflect YouTube’s growing challenge to traditional television, particularly among younger viewers who increasingly turn to the platform for entertainment, news, and sports. In December, UK ratings body Barb reported that YouTube reached 52 million viewers, overtaking the BBC’s combined television channels, which reached 51 million — the first time this has happened.

According to the Financial Times, much of the BBC’s YouTube content would target younger audiences and focus on programming linked to BBC Three, children’s shows, and sports coverage.

Advertising and Revenue Outside the UK

While the BBC is barred from running advertising within the UK due to its public-service status — instead relying on the licence fee — the deal could allow the broadcaster to earn advertising revenue from viewers outside the country. The Financial Times reports that advertising on BBC content shown internationally on YouTube could generate profits for the corporation.

Wider Context

The potential partnership comes at a turbulent time for the BBC. The broadcaster is currently facing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit from U.S. President Donald Trump, relating to an edited clip of his January 6 speech aired on its current affairs program Panorama.

The news also follows a major shift in the US television landscape, with YouTube set to become the home of the Oscars from 2029, ending a decades-long broadcast run on ABC.

If finalized, the BBC–YouTube deal would underline how traditional broadcasters are adapting to changing viewing habits, as global platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume media.