From Rickey.org
The X Factor Australia finalist Jai Waetford
Region restrictions are a thing of the past!
Global YouTube channels have been launched for The X Factor and Got Talent franchises by RTL Group’s FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
While YouTube channels already exist for the shows in various countries, the global launches are intended to draw international viewership, raking in lucrative ad revenue by posting show highlights and original content.
The original content for the YouTube channels will include “formatted spinoff shows, weekly round-ups and curated playlists of the best and worst auditions.” This focus on the audition rounds makes sense, given the viral potential of the clips, as Susan Boyle’s 2009 Britain’s Got Talent audition garnered over six million views while the audition for current X Factor Australia finalist Jai Waetford received over three million views.
“The channels will provide, for the first time, a single destination for millions of fans worldwide and a rare opportunity for brands to access a targeted and engaged global audience on one channel,” said the production companies in a joint statement.
Keith Hindle, CEO of digital & branded entertainment at FremantleMedia, added: “These formats have national audiences of millions of people who share a passion for talent, and through YouTube we are able to reach them all at once on a global level for the first time. The channels present fantastic and unique opportunities for brands to put themselves at the heart of an already engaged and active online global community.”
In particular, the Got Talent franchise has proven incredibly lucrative, having recently announced the 55th local version, a number the companies say is “unequaled by any other talent show in history.” Meanwhile, The X Factor has been produced in 25 territories worldwide.
“The X Factor and Got Talent YouTube channels are amongst the most viewed in the world, and by launching both as global franchises we’re making it even easier for audiences and brands to engage with our content on a worldwide scale,” said Syco CEO Charles Garland.
The Official Got Talent Global YouTube Page and The Official X Factor Global YouTube Page are now live.