Channel 4 is to become the first television channel in the world to put the vast majority of its programming onto YouTube, for viewers to access free-of-charge.

The two companies announced today that some 3,000 hours of programmes, including Skins, Hollyoaks and The Inbetweeners, will be uploaded onto the video-sharing website, in a deal that will also allow Channel 4 to sell advertising around its content.

Neither company would release the financial terms of the deal, which will run for an initial term of at least three years, but Channel 4 is expected to take around 70 per cent of revenue from the adverts and will also be able to sell advertising slots around other YouTube videos that it has not uploaded.

Channel 4 will have its own branded section of YouTube, that will look similar to the section of its own website where programmes are already available to view.

The broadcaster, which does not make its own programmes, will upload classic series from its archive, including Brass Eye, Teachers and Derren Brown, but does not have permission to share American imports such as Desperate Housewives. Content will begin appearing in the coming months and will be fully available in early 2010.

The deal is non-exclusive and allows Channel 4 to continue its negotiations with other websites such as Hulu and MSN Video, the Microsoft-owned website.

Nikesh Arora, President, Global Sales Operations and Business Development for Google, YouTube’s owner, said: "Over the past few years, fans have had access to increasing amounts of professional programming online as TV companies experiment with new ways of distributing their content.

“Channel 4 have been visionary in their online strategy and are consistently at the forefront of new uses of YouTube to engage their viewers and unlock new revenue streams. This significant new agreement brings Channel 4's great full length content to the YouTube community, helping Channel 4 to grow their online revenues and to continue to invest in the creation of high quality original content."

Andy Duncan, Channel 4’s Chief Executive, said: “Channel 4 was the first broadcaster anywhere in the world to make all its commissioned content available online and we’ve consistently pioneered in this field.

“This strategic partnership is another important milestone for us and we’re delighted to be combining the power of the ‘4’ brand and the appeal of our content with YouTube’s unrivalled reach and reputation online.

“Making our programmes directly accessible to YouTube’s 20 million UK users will financially benefit both Channel 4 and our independent production partners and help bolster our investment in quality British content.

“It demonstrates our ability to strike dynamic commercial partnerships to help underpin our future as a commercially funded, not-for-profit multi-platform public service network.”

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