Google's (GOOG) YouTube May Stream Rental Movies

The WSJ reported that Google Inc.'s (Nasdaq: GOOG) YouTube is in discussions with major movie studios about giving users the ability stream movies on a rental basis. This would mark YouTube's first foray into charging for content instead of making it available for free with advertising.

While some studios already make full-length movies available on YouTube, they tend to be lesser-known titles. YouTube is talking to Lions Gate Entertainment (NYSE: LGF), Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE) and Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX) about integrating newer titles into the existing YouTube site, most of which it would carry a rental charge. In some cases, these titles might be available on the site on the same day that they come out on DVD.

In a statement, a YouTube spokesman said the company is always working to expand on "its great relationships with movie studios and on the selection and types of videos we offer our community."

You May Also Be Interested In

• NVIDIA (NVDA) in talks to invest in data-center company Cloverleaf Infrastructure - WSJ
• Stripe, Advent In Talks To Buy Paypal - WSJ
• Alibabato sell Lingxi Games in more than $2B deal - Reuters