#100 - From Pocket to Big Screen

The small screen is mounting a takeover of the big screen. Social video apps made mobile phones the main place to watch short videos, especially for young people. Now, these platforms are setting their sights on the living room, bringing their unique approach to connected TVs.

YouTube, already dominating US TV viewing time , is leading the charge. Last week, they announced a redesign of their TV app to resemble Netflix, allowing creators to produce TV-like series and episodes. This move builds on their existing success: YouTube reports that the number of creators earning most of their revenue from TV screens has increased by over 30% year-over-year. Other social video giants like TikTok and X are following suit, all competing for a place in our living rooms.

These platforms are changing more than just where we watch. They're transforming what we watch and how content is made. New AI tools are turning phones into mini production studios , making it easier for anyone to create content.

The direct creator-viewer connection that started on phones is now moving to TVs, with AI accelerating this shift . It's challenging traditional entertainment models. As the lines between small and big screen entertainment blur, the battle for viewers' attention intensifies.

AI

Julia Barnett gives an overview of the current state of generative AI copyright law. At this moment, at least 30 major copyright lawsuits are pending against generative AI companies. The crux of these cases hinges on a key question: Does the use of copyrighted data to train AI systems count as fair use?

Short

• Microsoft released several Copilot upgrades to compete with OpenAI's new models. Link
• A designer's guide explores UI/UX patterns for AI products. Really smart thinking in here!
• Google plans to launch tech that detects if photos were taken by cameras, edited by software, or created by AI. More info

NEWS

AP and AppliedXL's are collaborating on a new AI tool that turns federal regulations into local news tips. The innovative system helps small newsrooms uncover local stories hidden in national policies. It scans over 430 agencies, highlighting how national policies affect specific communities in all 50 states.

Another interesting collaboration: Fathm and OpenOrigins have partnered to help newsrooms securely license their archives to AI companies. The aim is to create new revenue streams for media organizations while ensuring AI training data is reliable and ethically sourced.

The Economist now uses AI translations in its budget Espresso app, deeming the tech "good enough." This shift is notable, as a prestigious publication accepts "good enough" AI over perfect human translation, potentially setting a new industry standard for digital content delivery.

Short

• WAN-IFRA's latest Reader Revenue report highlights success stories from various publishers. Link
• Publishers share insights with INMA from their GenAI chat products. Worth a read!
• Poynter has put forth nine ethical AI product development principles that put readers first. Link
• And Pew Research Center finds 17% of U.S. adults now regularly use TikTok for news, up from 3% in 2020. Fact Sheet

VIDEO

Marion Ranchet takes a look at the French premium video market and fast forwards to 2034 . Netflix will still be at the top but have changed in depth though.

BBC iPlayer emerges as the fastest-growing VOD platform in the UK, outpacing Netflix, ITVX, and Channel 4. The number of people coming to the iPlayer is up 10% om the same period in 2024. A summer of live events that included Euro 2024, the Olympics and Glastonbury ha generated over 350 million requests.

Short:

• Lionsgate has struck a deal with AI firm Runway to develop a generative AI tool that’s specifically built on the studio’s vast film and TV library of 20,000 titles. Link
• Mr. Beast's production company released a 36-page onboarding document for new hires. Link
• Runway released video-to-video capability for its Gen-3 model. Link
• AI video production suite LTX Studio is now open to everyone. Link
• Substack introduced a live video format for breaking news coverage. Link

AUDIO

Google has pushed out another tool to generate AI audio discussions. The new tool called Illuminate is currently optimized for science papers but works very similar to Google's AI Audio Overviews which are seeing some traction. Link & Link

Edison's latest Share of Ear report shows nearly 25% of audio listening time among 13-34 year-olds is spoken word content.

SHORT

• Roblox's new "Dress to Impress" game attracts a wider demographic with a competitive fashion format.
• Snapchat unveils a new set of AR Spectacles glasses. I find them rather hideous, but judge for yourself.
• Instagram introduces Teen Accounts with enhanced parental controls.
• Snapchat also redesigned its app to focus on messages from friends, camera, and full-screen video.
• YouTube launches Communities, a Discord-like space for creator-fan interaction.

READ

"Challenging The Myths of Generative AI" . This intriguing article dissects the myths driving generative AI's popularity. Corporate boardrooms and founders often invest in these compelling myths and reward communication specialists for promoting them to consumers. Examples include the belief that we can control generative AI, that it will boost productivity, or that it is inherently a creative technology.

Mathias Felipe de Lima Santos writes a cautious article about the involvement of big tech in journalism initiatives. Programs like the Google News Initiative claim to sustain and innovate journalism. However, modern journalism already relies heavily on big tech platforms. Adding new financial ties raises urgent questions about press independence.

Short

• All Tech Is Human released a 160-page resource on responsible tech, AI, and Trust & Safety. Link
• The Dubai Future Foundation released a special report on empowering youth and future generations. Link
• A new EBU report explores sustainable practices of public service media. Link

That's it for this week; Wayfinder is made to travel so feel free to share it with friends & colleagues!