Cable TV is moving to the internet. YouTube prepares a selection of free, ad-supported channels

YouTube is aiming to become at least a low-cost alternative to Netflix and even cable TV services, with the company preparing a hub with access to movies and TV shows that users will be able to watch for free, as long as they aren’t bothered by video ads inserted at certain times.

Taking a cue from cable TV, Google will allow YouTube users to access streaming services from a dedicated hub containing selections of movies and series organized along the lines of the themed channels available on TV. But unlike TV, you won’t have to wait for the day and time of broadcast, choosing from an interactive catalogue the production you want to watch, the only similarity being commercial breaks you won’t be able to skip.

“We’re always looking for new ways to give viewers a central destination to more easily find, watch and share the content that matters most to them,” the spokesperson said.

At the moment, the new service is being tested with a small group of media partners and YouTube users in the United States, and it remains to be seen how broad a rollout Google has prepared for the second half of this year.

YouTube also recently launched a hub with access to more than 30 streaming services available for a fee, as Google tries to compete with Netflix and other established content services.