YouTube Wants to Put Music Videos Online

YouTube is reportedly in talks with major record labels about offering current and archive music videos via the company's online video service - for free.

Internet video phenomenon YouTube, mainly known for user-submitted videos (many of which would seem in violation of U.S. and international copyright laws) is reportedly in talked with major music labels to bring current and archive music videos online via the service – for free.

YouTube co-founder Steve Chan told Reuters news service he hoped “every music video ever created up on YouTube” within 18 months. And here’s the kicker: YouTube would offer the videos free of charge. “Right now we’re trying to very quickly determine how and what the model is to distribute this content and we’re very aggressive in assisting the labels in trying to get the content on to YouTube,” said Mr Chen.

Apple Computer’s iTunes Music Store currently offers selected music videos for $1.99 each.

Warner Music Group and EMI confirmed to Reuters that they have been in discussions with YouTube about the service.