We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
YOUTUBE VS TV? YouTube says the battle – if there ever was one – is over.
In a flashy presentation to advertisers earlier this week, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt declined to forecast that internet video will displace television watching. Instead he declared: “That’s already happened.”
Schmidt said “the future is now” for YouTube, which recently passed the milestone of 1 billion unique visitors every month. But, he added with the Third World in mind, if you think that’s a large number, “wait until you get to 6 (billion) or 7 billion.”
Schmidt and YouTube, which billed the event as a “brandcast,” shifted away from the video platform’s relationship to TV.
A year ago, YouTube seemed to have its sights set on reinventing television by funding the launch of more than 100 channels from well-known media brands and Hollywood personalities.
But that initiative went unmentioned at Wednesday’s presentation, held at a Lower East Side pier as part of a week of “NewFronts,” (digital media’s version of the TV tradition of promoting programming and selling ads).
Though the model for the evening was TV, YouTube used it to distinguish itself as something entirely different.
“It’s not a replacement for something that we know,” said Schmidt. “It’s a new thing that we have to think about, to program, to curate and build new platforms.”
The presentation featured performances by Snoop Dogg and Macklemore, as well as YouTube personalities like Felicia Day. YouTube focused on its global reach, community engagement and enormous audience.
“I thought that YouTube was like TV, but it isn’t. I was wrong,” said Robert Kyncl, YouTube’s global head of content. “TV is one-way. YouTube talks back.”
Some comparisons were inevitable. One fact highly touted was that more 18- to 34-year-olds watch YouTube than any cable network. “TV means reach,” said Kyncl. “YouTube means engagement.”
Though companies like Yahoo and AOL have used their NewFront presentations to announce new slates of original programming, YouTube made no programming announcements.
It did, though, announce a partnership with the Association of National Adverstisers’ Alliance for Family Entertainment to create more digital family content.
And just for old time’s sake:
YouTube: dragonzice1
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
You tube is probably one of the best sites on the internet, granted it might have a lot of cat videos and other nonsense but it has great topical and informative videos that can have you stuck on the site for a few hours
I wouldn’t agree. Yep I love YT but it’ll NEVER defeat the telly in our house!
YouTube is fine but it’s the likes of Netflix and OnDemand services that are winning against TV. At least if you have a good broadband connection and uncapped limit.
I hardly watch tv, but YouTube has come a long way since cat videos ! There a ton of documentaries on there for example, you really don’t need a Tv.
And loads of old movies too.
Anyone have any good mind blowing links on YouTube? I enjoyed google life in a day. So something like that? Thanks
I tried watching ‘The thick of it’ on netflix in my bedroom, it just did’nt feel right. Some programmes are just meant to be watched on a TV in a neutral clutter-free living room, sitting in a comfy armchair. I also hate people who now turn there noses up to TV watchers, well all i’ll say is its unhealthy to bottle your rage when rebuffering occurs, let it out. Also staying close to screens in your leisure cant be good for you plus constant browsing can lead to attention defficit disorder.
Why not plug your Living room TV directly into a computer? Problem solved.
You tube is a fantastic facility with lots of good quality USA & UK documentary and general tv stuff readily available. The quality of educational help available is A1 also, how did we ever manage without it?
have your say