YouTube launches local sites in nine countries

YouTube has signed content deals with major international partners as it launches local sites in nine countries around the globe.

by Helen Leggatt

An increasingly worldwide audience will now have access to YouTube. Nine countries - Britain, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Spain, France and Ireland - will have YouTube sites in the local language with local search and homepages. The video-sharing site currently has a bias toward U.S. content despite a large number of non-U.S. users.

Eventually, each local site will have an entirely "local" feel with country-specific video rankings, communities and comments in various sections.

YouTube has signed deals with many major content partners across the nine countries including the BBC, VPRO in the Netherlands and RTP in Portugal. High profile football clubs Chelsea FC, AC Milan, Barcelona FC and Real Madrid are also onboard.

“Video is universal and allows people around the world to communicate and exchange ideas. With our announcement today we are expanding upon our already global platform to make it even more relevant for our local communities,” said Chad Hurley, YouTube's co-founder.