You Tube Joins the Online TV Craze

Following in the footsteps of sites like Hulu, You Tube has announced a major shift in strategy, as the online video giant will begin streaming long-form professionally produced content, says the Hollywood Reporter.

The site is starting with a host of shows from CBS’ library such as Star Trek and Beverly Hills 90210.

The trade adds that Executives at the Google-owned property said the decision to break from the site’s traditional emphasis on short video clips was based on demand from its own user base and the fact that long form Web viewing has proven popular on other sites such as ABC.com.

You Tube has been quietly exceeding it’s previous nine-minutes-or-less limit for video length by offering several documentaries and excerpts from political debates, and it’s users have responded positively, said officials.

Though CBS is not providing You Tube with current hits like CSI and Survivor, the Showtime series Dexter and Californication are included in the deal, as are classics like MacGyver as well as the daytime soap The Young and the Restless.

And unlike the majority of You Tube clips, this content will carry pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll video ad spots.