YouTube is planning changes to the homepage that would highlight a set of “channels” around specific topics, like arts and sports, the Wall Street Journal reports. The company, owned by Google, is positioning itself for the rise of Internet-connected TVs that allow people to watch web videos in their homes.
The company will also introduce about 20 “premium channels” that would showcase five to 10 hours of original programming per week, a person familiar with the matter told the Journal.
More channels would be assembled from content already posted on the website.
YouTube is planning to spend $100 million to create original content for those premium channels. The changes are expected to be made over a period of time, beginning before the end of this year, with hires being made to help see these initiatives come to fruition.
A spokesperson declined to comment to the Journal.