YouTube CEO Claims the Platform is the New Television
Neal Mohan, who leads YouTube, has stated that the video platform should be perceived as modern television. In a conversation with ANSA agency, he argues that YouTube no longer only rivals other internet video services, but competes head-on with classic TV networks. His central point is the ability to bring millions of people together around content made by individuals, an achievement that previously only large studios could attain. 📺
Creators Define Prime Time
Mohan emphasizes that content creators are the axis of this change. They produce material regularly and build global communities, which completely alters the idea of when prime time is. This moment of maximum audience is no longer decided by a programming schedule, but by the instant when a creator uploads a new video and their followers connect to watch it at the same time. This system, according to the executive, provides a variety and connection with the audience that conventional television cannot offer. 🎬
Key Features of the New Model:- Constant Programming: Creators upload content frequently, keeping the audience always expectant.
- Global Communities: They attract viewers from around the world, transcending geographical borders.
- Direct Connection: The interaction between creator and viewer is immediate and personal, something absent in traditional TV.
Prime time is no longer set by a schedule, but by the moment when a creator uploads a new video.
Integrating the Old with the New
YouTube's strategy is not limited to user-generated content. The platform also includes longer productions, such as films and series, and offers subscription plans to remove ads. This aims to attract those viewers who still prefer extended narratives and more linear consumption, thus combining the format of classic television with the interactivity and speed of the internet. The goal is to establish itself as the definitive place for any type of visual entertainment. 🎥
Elements of YouTube's Strategy:- Long Content: Investment in movies and series to compete in that segment.
- Subscription Models: Options like YouTube Premium for an uninterrupted experience.
- Model Fusion: Combining traditional narrative structure with digital immediacy.
An Unexpected Rival for the Industry
If traditional television claims unfair competition, perhaps its biggest adversary is not a complex algorithm, but a person recording from their room with a webcam and charisma that surpasses that of an entire team of professional writers. This phenomenon demonstrates how the entertainment landscape has changed radically. 🚀