YouTube Original Channel Initiative
Program by Google to bring content to YouTube / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The YouTube Original Channel Initiative was a $100 million program funded by Google in 2012 to bring original content onto YouTube.[1][2] The original channel initiative was also meant to kick start Google TV.[3] The channels are collectively known as "original", "premium" or "YouTube funded" channels.
Participants include Madonna, Pharrell Williams, Young Hollywood founder R.J. Williams, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, comedian Amy Poehler, actor Ashton Kutcher, The Office star Rainn Wilson, comedian Kenny Hotz, Motor Trend, SourceFed, spiritual doctor Deepak Chopra and Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara. Most created channels through their production companies. Madonna is a partner with the dance channel DanceOn, while O'Neal plans the Comedy Shaq Network.