YouTube to allow video downloads for offline viewing

Image caption, YouTube claims to have one billion unique users to the site each month

YouTube is to release a new feature on its mobile apps that will allow videos to be downloaded for a "short period".

Set for a November launch, the new service means people will be able to save videos on devices and watch them without an internet connection.

It's unclear how long users will be able to store YouTube videos for, or if producers will be able to opt out.

YouTube has said more details will be released closer to the launch date to explain how it will work for viewers.

In the announcement on , YouTube said: "We're always exploring ways to bring more viewers to your content."

They also explained to video producers how the feature will potentially benefit their content.

"Your fans' ability to enjoy your videos no longer has to be interrupted by something as commonplace as a morning commute," said the statement.

According to YouTube, 100 hours of video are uploaded to the site every minute.

Image caption, It's not yet clear how long users will be able to store YouTube videos for

They added: "This is part of our ongoing updates to give people more opportunities to enjoy videos and channels on YouTube mobile."

This kind of feature is increasingly common with music streaming services.

The 大象传媒 also offers TV show downloads on the 大象传媒 iPlayer app for mobile.

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