YouTube Plans a Crowdfunding Feature

Google Inc.'s YouTube is developing a feature that allows the video site's viewers to send funds to content creators.

YouTube announced the feature in a "Creator's Preview" video and blog post. It did not say when the feature would go live.

The model appears similar to Patreon, a company that allows people to fund a content creator's work in advance. Other services, such as Flattr, allow people to make donations or tips to creators for their work on earlier content.

Patreon has also served as an alternative to video content providers such as video game reviewer Clint Basinger, who recently saw advertising revenue diminished in a recent crackdown on certain types of content.

YouTube, which did not return a request for comment by deadline, also plans to create a separate mobile app that includes favored video features, added content features and more languages.