YouTube Red steps up its bid to be the new Netflix

YouTube is reportedly stepping up its bid to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon by acquiring streaming rights to TV shows and movies.

The company's executives have been meeting with Hollywood studios and production companies in the hope of strengthening its new ad-free subscription video streaming service Red with new titles, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Although negotiations are thought to be in early stages, the company is said to be focusing on new material, as opposed to older titles.

It was previously announced that YouTube Original Series and Movies will be available next year through YouTube Red and will include work from the likes of PewDiePie and The Fine Brothers.

Of course, not everyone is happy about YouTube Red, with a petition against the service calling it out for "destroying a community".

YouTube Red launched in the US on October 28, with a global release to follow.