BBC and YouTube agree to new partnership for social-first content

The BBC is teaming up with YouTube to make original shows aimed at younger audiences. Here’s what you need to know! 

The BBC is making a major shift in how it approaches digital audiences, moving YouTube from a space for clips and trailers to a primary platform for its own content. Until now, the broadcaster has mainly used the site to direct viewers back to iPlayer or traditional television. Under the new approach, selected programmes will be made with YouTube as their first home, recognising the fact that younger audiences are increasingly discovering and watching long-form video on social and creator-driven platforms rather than through scheduled broadcasts.

Also Read: Why following ASCI guidelines will be non-negotiable for influencers in 2026!

Here's what we know so far:

A move towards social-first viewing habits

The move signals a broader acknowledgement of YouTube’s role not just as a hosting service, but as a social platform where discovery, engagement and audience loyalty are influenced by algorithms, recommendations and online communities. BBC content developed under this partnership will be tailored to fit those viewing habits, with an emphasis on formats that feel natural within a feed-driven environment. 

Programming planned for YouTube will span a wide range of genres, including entertainment, documentaries, children’s content, news and sport, with coverage connected to major global events such as the Winter Olympics among the first projects to be developed. While some of this content may also appear on BBC-owned platforms, including iPlayer and BBC Sounds, YouTube will act as the main point of access for audiences the BBC is seeking to reach.

Commercial considerations are also central to the partnership. Although BBC content on YouTube will remain free of advertising for viewers within the UK, advertising will be enabled for international audiences. The resulting revenue is expected to contribute to the corporation’s finances at a time when the future of the licence fee and public funding remains under political and public scrutiny. 

Expanding the BBC’s YouTube Presence

The BBC already commands a substantial audience on YouTube through its existing channels, which together attract tens of millions of subscribers. As part of this new direction, the broadcaster is expected to significantly expand its channel network, allowing it to build more specialised communities around specific types of content and engage audiences in a manner that mirrors the strategies of successful digital creators.

Beyond content distribution, the partnership places a strong emphasis on developing social and platform-native skills within the UK media industry. In collaboration with YouTube and the National Film and Television School, the BBC will support workshops and training initiatives aimed at helping media professionals better understand how storytelling, production and audience engagement function on YouTube.

Bringing public broadcasting to social and on-demand platforms

For the BBC, this approach reflects a changing definition of public service broadcasting. As social platforms continue to compete directly with television for viewers’ attention, particularly among younger audiences, the corporation’s decision to treat YouTube as a primary outlet rather than a secondary channel marks a strategic effort to remain relevant in a time when on-demand and social viewing dominate.

What’s your take on this? Tell us in the comments below!

For more such content, follow us on @socialketchup