Exclusive: Hollyoaks confirms when full episodes will be released on YouTube
Hollyoaks will begin releasing full episodes on YouTube next week, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
The Channel 4 soap has changed its release pattern this autumn to prioritise online streaming, giving fans more freedom over how and when to watch.
Since late September, Hollyoaks has continued to air weekdays at 7pm on E4, with the next episode being released on Channel 4 streaming straight afterwards at 7.30pm. This gives online viewers the first chance to watch all of the latest drama from the village.
When Channel 4 recently announced that the traditional 6.30pm slot on the main channel was being dropped, it confirmed that the 'third viewing window' would move to YouTube instead. This would cement the show's position as the UK's first national digital-led soap.
Related: Hollyoaks airs sinister twist in Peri Lomax story
Digital Spy has now learned that the YouTube uploads will begin from Monday, October 30. The first YouTube release will go live at 5pm that day.
The first episode to be uploaded will be Episode 6228, which previously aired on E4 on Tuesday, October 24.
The plan is for episodes to be released seven days after their initial premiere on Channel 4 streaming.
Digital Spy understands that the YouTube uploads will be streaming for UK viewers but won't be available internationally.
Related: Hollyoaks role revealed for Shameless star Samantha Siddall
Show bosses will be hoping to capture a new viewership on the platform thanks to YouTube's popularity with young audiences.
Channel 4's Chief Content Officer, Ian Katz recently said: "Hollyoaks has always been the youngest and most innovative soap so it's fitting that it should be the first to embrace the changes in the behaviour of younger viewers and switch to a genuinely digital-led release pattern.
"It was the first UK soap to move to a stream-first model last year and this is the next phase of that evolution. We hope making Hollyoaks available on YouTube, as well as our own platforms, will introduce a whole new generation to the show."
Check out more of our Hollyoaks coverage:
Hollyoaks' Peri Lomax urged to exit the village in Rayne Royce murder aftermath
Hollyoaks' James Nightingale plans a big confession after Lucas Hay blackmail
Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher reveals huge new story for Tony and Diane
Hollyoaks streams first online via Channel 4 each weekday at 7.30pm. Episodes then air on E4 the following day, before getting their YouTube premiere a week after that.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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