YouTube Braces for Hollywood, Major Studios Join VOD Rentals Service

According to a report from TheWrap, YouTube – the largest video sharing website in existence – is set to take the videos-on-demand service by storm, as it has recently acquired licenses from Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Brothers, and Universal Studios. YouTube’s video-on-demand services will have their movies streamed and rented for home entertainment. The service is set for a release this week or next.

Independent studios have also boarded the Youtube VOD express, as Lionsgate and Kino Lorber joins the service. Paramount and Fox studios so far have expressed disinterest in the matter.

The entry of YouTube and Google into the market is a clear and striking challenge to the current leader, Apple’s iTunes Services. It also provides a new revenue stream for Hollywood studios who are apparently struggling in the home entertainment department.

According to TheWrap, movies will be available to YouTube the same day and date they can be rented at iTunes or video stores.

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