While Comcast is looking to provide more value to its subscribers by offering its content on the web, YouTube is considering making a subscription play of its own that would potentially compete with the cable companies.

According to Reuters, the world’s top video sharing site is thinking about “variations of monthly subscription models such as those seen with cable TV providers.” This follows reports last month that YouTube was considering a la carte TV show rentals like iTunes.

Why the move away from free, streaming video? Content providers aren’t willing to part with some of their material on solely an ad-supported basis, while at the same time, consumers are flocking to the web to watch their favorite movies and TV shows. Over the long haul, YouTube will need to appease both or it risks losing some of its dominant position in online video.

One way or another, it seems likely that paid content of some form will be coming to YouTube within the next year. Which pricing model would be most interesting to you, if any? Let us know in the comments.

Tags: youtube

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