After a brief trial period, Comcast and Google said they have moved ahead with the national launch of YouTube on X1 set-tops boxes.
Similar to the integration Comcast completed with Netflix, the YouTube library will be accessible via the X1 voice remote and certain YouTube will also be featured on Xfinity on Demand, Comcast’s VOD platform.
RELATED: Comcast Starts to Test YouTube App on X1 Set-Tops
In addition to launching YouTube via the Apps and Networks sections of X1, Comcast subs can also launch the YouTube app on X1 by saying, “YouTube” into the X1 voice remote, and use voice search to find topical videos.
Comcast and Google added that current X1 and YouTube signed-in customers can also access their personalized settings and subscriptions (like YouTube Red, but not YouTube TV) when accessing the OTT service via X1.
Comcast’s implementation also lets users cast YouTube content to the TV using a smartphone
Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts is expected to highlight the YouTube integration this morning at the Goldman Sachs investor conference.
“Giving our customers seamless access to live, on demand and internet content in one place continues to be a key part of our strategy and we are excited to now add YouTube to the X1 experience,” Matt Strauss, EVP, Xfinity Services, at Comcast Cable, said in a statement. “By adding billions of YouTube videos to our video platform, we are taking our role as the aggregator of aggregators to a new level and reaffirming that X1 is the best place to easily discover and access all types of entertainment with the sound of your voice.”
"The living room is YouTube's fastest growing platform,” added Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s chief business officer. “We are excited to supercharge our distribution there and bring Xfinity X1 users a seamless way to consume all of the content they love. Voice is a key enabler to discovery and we are looking forward to bringing it to Xfinity X1 users.”
Comcast announced plans to integrate YouTube in February. Comcast also intends to integrate Sling TV on X1, with a focus on Sling TV's international programming services, but has not announced when it will unleash it on X1.
RELATED: Comcast to Stream YouTube on X1 Boxes
YouTube’s X1 integration could lead to tie-ins with other cable operators that have notched X1 licensing deals, including Cox Communications, and three based in Canada -- Videotron, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications.
RELATED: Videotron to Use Comcast’s X1 Platform to Power New IPTV Service
