YouTube rumoured to be launching TV streaming service 'Unplugged' in 2017

YouTube Unplugged has reportedly been in the works since 2017

The YouTube logo on screen at E3 2014 (Getty)

YouTube is reportedly planning on branching out into the world of TV with 'Unplugged', a rumoured subscription service which offers customers a bundle of channels to stream over the internet.

According to Bloomberg, who cite people familiar with the project, Unplugged could make its debut in 2017.

The Google-owned company is reportedly already in talks with major American media companies like NBC, Viacom and 21st Century Fox for the rights to stream their channels, although Bloomberg's sources said no deals have yet been made.

YouTube, which makes most of its money from advertising, first adopted a subscription model when it introduced YouTube Red last year, which offers users ad-free viewing and a range of exclusive content.

Unplugged would be an extension of this, letting viewers watch major cable channels live via YouTube.

The whole package would reportedly cost no more than $35 (£24) a month, but since the licensing deal will likely only apply to the US at first, British users might have to wait.

Similar services already exist - Sling, which is currently only available in the US, offers users a range of streaming cable TV channels for $20 a month for the basic package.

However, since YouTube is already such a huge platform, it might be less of a leap for users to sign up to Unplugged over another service.

The plan has reportedly been in the works since 2012, but Bloomberg says things are finally coming to a head.

The Independent has contacted YouTube for more information.