BBC will launch YouTube channels for children and offer digital content training as part of new streaming partnership
The wider deal will see BBC programme brands promoted on the streaming site, as well as real-time news and partnerships with creators.
Leila White, YouTube Lead at the BBC, shared on LinkedIn: “We’ve reached 100K subscribers on our first genre channel, Non Stop Cartoons. This was one of our earliest efforts to scale our YouTube presence and has proven the model works.
“We’ve launched the Bitesize YouTube channel, with YouTube-first programming coming up in collaboration with some of the biggest education creators on the platform, all built with YouTube best practices from the ground up. We’re leaning into full-episode offerings, starting with Cbeebies, with other channels set to follow.
“YouTube-first commissions on Cbeebies are already proving successful, delivering enriching educational content designed to help children learn through play. And this is only the beginning!”
Training in digital-first content creation
The BBC and YouTube will also launch a new creator skills and training programme aimed at upskilling creators and TV producers at BBC hubs across the UK. The two organizations will support the UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, a ten-year scheme focused on driving investment in creative sectors, with workshops and events to help those looking to create digital-first content.
The National Film and Television School will support the scheme, training 150 media professionals in YouTube skills, while a curated training programme will be hosted online and at the BBC’s hubs in Salford, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast, and Cardiff.
“It’s essential that everyone gets value from the BBC, and this groundbreaking partnership will help us connect with audiences in new ways,” the BBC’s Director-General Tim Davie says. “We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training programme to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK. Importantly, this partnership also allows new audiences different routes into BBC services like BBC iPlayer and Sounds.”
Pedro Pina, VP EMEA YouTube, adds: “We are delighted to partner with the BBC to redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling. This partnership translates the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience. Beyond the content, our first-of-its-kind training programme represents a deep investment in the UK's creative pipeline designed to empower the next generation of British talent to lead the global creator economy. In doing so, we are not just telling the stories of today; we are building the stage for the storytellers of tomorrow.”
