Report: YouTube reaches VOD deal with major studios

YouTube is set to take on the likes of Netflix, Hulu and Apple with the revamping of its video-on-demand service.

Thewrap.com is reporting that the online video streaming giant has come to an agreement with some major movie studios, including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. and Universal, as well as some independent studios, including Lionsgate and Kino Lorber.

YouTube has been renting movies for the past year, but not those from the major studios.

Questions remain, though, since YouTube hasn’t released an official announcement. There is no word on pricing, video quality and available titles. Another big question mark is whether the upgraded VOD service will be available via the YouTube apps for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry.

The news is a turnaround from the strained relationship YouTube has had with movie and television studios. The video streaming site has been in legal trouble because of users uploading copyrighted material.