#62 - Bytes & Bonds
The music streaming world is abuzz with "TikTokification." Just this week, SoundCloud unveiled its TikTok-style discovery feed, joining earlier adopters like Spotify and YouTube Music. It's no longer just a trend but a cookie-cutter pattern; platforms like Twitch, Instagram, and Reddit now all have similar feeds.
However, as platforms converge on the discovery feed formula, a vital question arises: How can they preserve the authentic connections that defined early social media, amid the dominance of AI-curated content.
As the industry looks to TikTok for inspiration, TikTok itself is exploring a return to more traditional social elements, suggesting a full-circle evolution. The punchline? While everyone is striving to be the next TikTok, TikTok is subtly pivoting to echo the best of its predecessors, seeking to combine bytes and social bonds.
IN FOCUS
This week, the European Commission took a pivotal step, designating six major companies - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft - as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These tech giants, now collectively referred to as "BAMAMA" (or possibly "MAMBAA"), have six months to fully comply with the DMA rules for their main platform services.
Related: EBU's recent report on public service media's competitive environment reveals an ever-evolving, competitive media market with new players reshaping the landscape.
And media analyst Evan Shapiro made a new colorful map showing today's media world. It's based on money and viewers and highlights the real power dynamics in the media landscape.
AI/NEWS
The AI start-up buzz is facing a bit of a reality check. Venture investors are realizing that turning the new generation of generative AI into succesful businesses is harder than it seems.
In a recent in-depth feature by Wired Magazine, OpenAI's groundbreaking release of ChatGPT is spotlighted. However, this is merely the beginning for the ambitious young company. According to OpenAI superintelligence is attainable. The ultimate goal: Change everything.
SHORT:
AI/RESOURCES
Twenty-six global publishing and journalism organizations have come together to introduce "Global Principles" for Artificial Intelligence. The principles aim to guide the development, deployment, and regulation of AI systems, ensuring they operate within an ethical and accountable framework.
SHORT
VIDEO
Amazon has Hollywood’s worst shows but its best business model. While its shows may not top Hollywood charts, Amazon's strategy allows viewers to directly purchase items featured in series showcasing its unmatched e-commerce integration.
The Financial Times reports that YouTube executives are concerned that the platform's short-form feature, "Shorts", might be overshadowing traditional long-form content.
And as streaming services proliferate, the significance of a user-friendly TV operating system (TV OS) becomes paramount, influencing user navigation and the future of digital entertainment. This ‘streaming made easy’ series provides a detailed analysis of the TV OS market, exploring the tactics and innovations of key players.
AUDIO
In a previous edition of Wayfinder, I touched on YouTube's exploration of AI in music. Now, two detailed pieces from YouTube shed more light on their perspective. Teaming up with Universal Music Group, they're diving deep into the potential of AI for artists. Their new project, the Music AI Incubator, invites renowned musicians to test and provide feedback on AI tools..
Spotify has many listeners for its podcasts (100 million of its 220 million subscribers), but they're not making much money. In fact, they lost $565 million in just half a year.
And podcast go social: you can now leave comments in YouTube Music.
领英推荐
NEWS
Meta has decided to discontinue its 'Facebook News' tab in several European countries, including the UK, France, and Germany. Facebook will not form new commercial deals for news content on this platform. As Thomas Baekdal points out in his analysis, publishers may have overestimated their value to platforms like Facebook.
The New York Times is increasingly using games to keep readers interested and coming back. As Jonathan Knight, head of games for The New York Time says, they want people to "Come for the news, stay for the games."
A new study reveals that community engagement in journalism isn't just a noble concept. By actively interacting with readers, newsrooms not only build stronger ties with their communities but also boost their earnings.
+ Nic Newman of the Reuters Institute presents ten big reader trends and what publishers can do.
+ How to fix climate journalism. Link
SHORT
IDEAS
Dive into a profile on Brooklyn's MSCHF: from ad agency to creators of edgy art that melds brand narratives with consumerism. An inspiring read for media pros seeking fresh engagement tactics.
Did TikTok end the era of music videos? Artists are now investing in short clips for TikTok and YouTube Shorts instead of traditional full-length videos.
+ Ipsos' best and freshest data and actionable intelligence on Generation Z.
READ
Extremely Online: Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz presents a social history of the internet, revealing how online influence and the creators who amass it have reshaped our world, online and off. Link
The Art of Explanation: Ros Atkins, the BBC news analysis editor, reveals the techniques behind his outstanding explanatory journalism. Link
That's all for this week! Feel free to share with friends and colleagues.
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