YouTube launches Ramadan-themed channel

Video-sharing site YouTube will launch an online channel dedicated to Ramadan-theme programming, it was announced today.

The service, which will broadcast shows the same day they air on television, is a joint venture with sponsor Unilever through its brands Lipton and Knorr.

According to a statement from YouTube, which is owned by search giant Google, shows will be categorised, allowing users to browse by genre and title.

Internet users in the Middle East and North Africa watch an average of 167m YouTube videos a day, ranking the region as the second globally in terms of views. 

It is the first time YouTube had rolled a channel specifically for the Islamic holy month. A preview of upcoming shows is already available on youtube.com/ramadan.

Ramadan is due to start later this month, most likely July 20 or July 21.