A YouTube channel called Watcher announced they were leaving YouTube to launch their own subscription-based platform, Watcher TV, where they would produce exclusive content for $6 a month. The decision was met with backlash from their audience, resulting in a loss of around 100,000 subscribers. The channel's creators have since apologized for their decision, stating they didn't properly consider the impact on their audience and acknowledging they made a mistake. They are now offering a compromise, allowing their content to remain on YouTube for free, while offering early access on Watcher TV for subscribers. The apology video has been well-received by their audience, who are forgiving but still wary of the channel's decision.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. A YouTube channel called Watcher announced that they were leaving YouTube and launching their own streaming platform.
2. Watcher's plan was to charge $6 a month for their content, which was previously available for free on YouTube.
3. The announcement led to a backlash from fans, with many expressing disappointment and frustration on social media.
4. Watcher lost close to 100,000 subscribers over the course of 3 days after the announcement.
5. The channel's creators released an apology video, stating that they had made a mistake and were willing to listen to feedback from their fans.
6. Watcher's apology video acknowledged that they had not properly explained the reasoning behind their decision to leave YouTube and charge for their content.
7. The channel's creators stated that they had been struggling to stay relevant to advertisers and the constantly changing YouTube landscape.
8. Watcher's new model will allow fans to watch their content for free on YouTube, but with the option to pay $6 a month for early access to new content.
9. All current Patreon members will receive a free subscription code to the platform, and those who have already purchased a subscription will be issued a full refund.
10. Watcher's Patreon community has over 13,400 members, who pay a minimum of $5 per month to support the channel.
11. The channel's apology video was well-received by fans, who appreciated the creators' willingness to listen to feedback and make changes to their plan.