YouTube is getting ready to debut paid subscriptions for individual channels this spring, reports Advertising Age. The goal is to lure content producers, advertising money and viewers from traditional television, the story notes.

"As of now it appears that the first paid channels will cost somewhere between $1 and $5 a month," the story says. YouTube has asked a small number of channel producers to submit applications to create paid channels.

"In addition to episodic content, YouTube is also considering charging for content libraries and access to live events, a la pay-per-view, as well as self-help or financial advice shows," according to the report.

It continues: "YouTube is treating paid subscriptions as an experiment, much like video rentals when it began in 2010. The initial group of channels will be small, likely about 25 at the outset. The revenue split from subscriptions is expected to be similar to the 45-55 split that is common for ads on YouTube."