Industry

BBC Group and YouTube have announced a new strategic partnership focused on expanding access to BBC content, investing in YouTube-first programming, and supporting the next generation of UK creators and producers through training and skills development initiatives.

The agreement forms part of the BBC’s “value for all” strategy, designed to ensure its content reaches audiences wherever they are, complementing services such as BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, where new programming will launch simultaneously.

As part of the partnership, the BBC will significantly expand its YouTube activity across four key areas: building targeted communities for children and young adults; promoting major BBC programme brands to reach lighter users; delivering trusted, high-quality news through innovative formats and live streams; and driving commercial growth via global fandoms and brand partnerships.

New initiatives include the launch of targeted channels such as Deepwatch (w/t), showcasing BBC documentaries, and seven new children’s channels, including The Epic Facts channel, featuring content from CBBC titles such as "Operation Ouch", "Horrible Histories", "Horrible Science" and "Deadly 60".

A key pillar of the partnership is a new creator skills and training programme, supporting the UK government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan. Led by the National Film and Television School (NFTS), 150 media professionals will take part in workshops and events hosted online and at BBC hubs in Salford, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast and Cardiff.

BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: “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 at 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.”