Tessa Virtue among famous creators launching new content on YouTube Canada

Tessa Virtue. Photo courtesy of YouTube Canada/Uptown media

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It has not gone unnoticed that YouTube has been the top streamer in Canada for the past three quarters.

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The content platform of content platforms announced Thursday SubwayTakes is arriving north of the border.

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Its creator, Kareem Rahma, led attendees through a launch event in Toronto, announcing he is just one of nine creators based in Canada with new content coming exclusively to YouTube. It felt a bit like the Primetime Emmy-nominated comedian’s show as he brought his irreverent trademark tone to the stage and with his 1.2 million subscribers, it’s no accident.

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Rahma, whose content has been viewed 800 million times, drove home the role YouTube plays as a destination for not just entertainment or even education, but for product discovery and purchasing decisions (calling all un-boxers!). The platform teased a new Buy With GooglePay feature that will allow viewers to make purchases directly on their connected televisions with a pair of button pushes. It’s expected to land in Canada in the fourth quarter.

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In the meantime, those viewers can look forward to an international trade accord’s worth of new content from Canadian creators, according to Nicole Bell, head of YouTube Canada.

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“With this new slate, we’re proud to invest in homegrown creative entrepreneurs, giving Canada’s most compelling storytellers the opportunity to bring their biggest ideas to life and connect directly with the audiences who love them,” she said. “YouTube creators are making the must-see programming that is shaping culture and redefining entertainment.”

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The new series on offer include Iron Chef Dad vs. The Internet, where Chef Susur Lee is introduced to so-called viral recipes, hacks, trends and, yes, of course, snacks, by his son Jet Bent-Lee.

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Chef Susur provides fairly unvarnished reactions to what he finds on that episode’s focus on food culture. He also may reimagine a dish, explain how he would approach it differently, or, fingers crossed, create his own version.

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Sarah’s Side Quests will follow Olympic gold medallist, professional hockey player and analyst Sarah Nurse’s off-season exploits. Each episode pairs her with a top athlete, expert or creator who teaches her the ins and outs of their craft.

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Not to be outdone, five-time Olympic medallist Tessa Virtue will be bringing an all-new channel to YouTube. The world’s most decorated female figure skater will examine unique interpretations of excellence through her own unassailable record in elite sports.

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Chef Susur Lee and his son Jet Bent-Lee. Photo courtesy of YouTube Canada/Uptown media

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In each episode of Virtuoso, “Tessa sits down with athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, leaders, and creators to explore the experiences, decisions, and relationships that have shaped them,” according to YouTube. “Tessa’s goal is to strike gold — uncovering the mindset, habits, and practical tools these high-achievers rely on, while helping listeners apply those lessons in their own lives and careers.”