YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has outlined a forward-looking strategy, placing significant emphasis on two key areas: YouTube's expansion into the living room and the elevation of creators as next-generation studios.
Mohan's strategic roadmap encompassed a spectrum of initiatives, including leveraging AI to empower human creativity, safeguarding the creator economy, and upholding responsibility in content management.
Mohan pointed to a major shift in viewership habits, noting that global audiences now consume over one billion hours of YouTube content daily on their TVs. This surge underscores YouTube's transformation into a primary destination for diverse content, ranging from Shorts to sports commentary, catering to the evolving preferences of viewers.
Creators, once regarded as mere content producers, are now recognised as trailblazers shaping the future of entertainment. With over three million channels enrolled in the
YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators are celebrated as entrepreneurs driving innovation and community engagement.
Mohan highlighted initiatives like fan funding features and the Creator Collective programme, which provide creators with diverse avenues for revenue generation and collaboration. YPP has paid over $70 billion to creators, artists, and media companies over the last three years, he said.
As the line between traditional studios and creator content blurs, YouTube is poised to capitalise on this convergence, offering creators a platform to reach global audiences and redefine entertainment norms. Mohan underscored the importance of governmental recognition of creators' contributions, advocating for their representation in key industry forums.
In tandem with this focus, Mohan announced YouTube's commitment to enhancing the living room experience, delivering a seamless viewing experience for audiences across devices. Initiatives like YouTube TV, which boasts over eight million subscribers, and investments in high-quality content for the living room underscore
YouTube's ambition to become a premier destination for entertainment on the big screen.
Mohan's strategic vision pointed to YouTube's evolution into a multifaceted entertainment hub, where creators are celebrated as architects of the future and viewers are provided with unparalleled content experiences across platforms. As YouTube navigates this dynamic landscape, Mohan's roadmap signals a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the continued elevation of creators as the driving force behind the platform's success.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Feb 15, 2024 5:35 PM IST
