AI drives entertainment apps toward universal platform convergence
8 reported
Major entertainment apps are increasingly converging into universal platforms that offer multiple content formats, a trend accelerated by artificial intelligence, according to a TechCrunch report. Companies including Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are expanding beyond their original formats to capture more user time across music, video, podcasts, games, shopping, and live events. AI is enabling easier content recommendation across formats, sharper personalization, faster development of new features, and new content creation tools. Netflix recently purchased Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking company for $587 million. YouTube reported that more than one million channels used its AI creation tools and 20 million consumers used its Gemini AI-powered content discovery tool in December. Spotify is testing a tool that lets users edit their AI-built Taste Profile and is building AI features for direct chat about preferences. The report notes that as format ceases to be a differentiator, the value of these apps will depend on how well they connect users with desired content.
What’s reported
Netflix has added gaming, live sports, short video clips, and podcasts to its service.
Spotify has expanded from music to include podcasts, video podcasts, social features, fitness classes, audiobooks, narrated magazines, and physical book sales.
YouTube added short-form content, dedicated space for podcasts, gaming, music, movies, TV, sports, news, and shopping.
TikTok offers long-form content, travel planning, shopping, ticket buying, and has separate apps for microdramas and sporting events.
Netflix bought Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking company for $587 million.
YouTube said more than one million channels used its AI creation tools and 20 million consumers used its Gemini AI-powered content discovery tool in December.
Spotify is testing a tool to let users edit their AI-built Taste Profile and building AI features for direct chat about preferences.
All four companies are applying AI to their ad stacks for writing ads, targeting audiences, pricing placements, and measuring results.
Key figures
Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet
Sources: TechCrunch
