BBC and YouTube Announce New Programming Deal

The BBC and YouTube today announced a new strategic partnership, focused on investments in new programming, collaborating to showcase more BBC moments that bring the UK together on YouTube, and upskilling the next generation of future creators and producers from across the UK.

Partnering with YouTube is part of the BBC’s value for all strategy, ensuring more BBC content is accessible to all audiences wherever they are, alongside its successful services such as BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, where the new programming will launch at the same time.

The BBC and YouTube deal will target communities for UK children and young adults, with the launch of new targeted channels including Deepwatch (working title), featuring new and existing BBC documentaries and seven new children’s channels, including The Epic Facts channel featuring content from CBBC’s Operation Ouch, Horrible Histories, Horrible Science, and Deadly 60.

The deal will promote key BBC program brands, especially for people who don’t often visit the BBC, to ensure they get value from the BBC.

The BBC and YouTube say the programming will deliver trusted, high-quality news that cuts through the noise with new global channels, real-time live story streams, and innovative story formats. And the deal is expected to drive commercial growth by fostering deeper connections with fans and partnering with brands, partners, and creators.

This new partnership builds on the BBC’s strong digital performance and highly popular third-party channels. The approach is already delivering at scale, with BBC data showing 15 billion annual YouTube views of BBC Studio content, watch time nearly doubling year on year, and engagement continuing to grow across key global markets.

The partnership will see the BBC and YouTube support the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, building on the success of BBC Studio’s TalentWorks and BBC CreatorLab and YouTube’s Launchpad, Accelerators and Masterclass series, by investing in the next generation of creators across the length and breadth of the UK, upskilling and partnering with creators and established TV producers who want to create and commission digital-first content.

Led by the National Film and Television School (NFTS), 150 media professionals will be invited to develop their YouTube skills with a series of workshops and events. A specially curated training program will be hosted online and at BBC hubs in Salford, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast, and Cardiff – recognizing the importance of creators in boosting the UK economy and showcasing the best homegrown talent.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, says: “It’s essential that everyone gets value from the BBC, and this groundbreaking partnership will help us connect with audiences in new ways. 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, added: “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.”