YouTube partners OML, Qyuki, TVF to launch new originals

Video sharing website YouTube on Thursday said its content partners, Culture Machine, OML, Qyuki and The Viral Fever (TVF), are set to launch four original properties. In the coming months, Culture Machine will be launching a beauty and style-centric programme Beauty Hunt while OML will launch the second season of Comedy Hunt, YouTube said in a statement.

It said #LaughterGames will launch in April, where nine comedy creators will launch their own comedy web series, featuring among others, YouTube comedians such as East India Comedy, Put Chutney and Kenny Sebastian. Web show creators TVF will be launching a search for the next generation of web series creators.

YouTube’s overall watchtime in India has grown by 80 per cent year-on-year with 55 per cent of that watchtime on mobile. The hours of video uploaded from India has increased at 90 per cent annually, content uploaded by India’s independent creators has risen especially quickly.

The watchtime of independent musicians grew over 92 per cent, comedy and entertainment grew 100 per cent, while beauty and fashion videos have grown by over 138 per cent.