I probably spend more time watching YouTube than I do TV. Why? I control the content: makeup tutorials, product reviews, show recaps, funny clips and news stories – the variety of content is endless. While TV is still the major powerhouse, YouTube has potential to be larger than the networks in the future.
The idea that traditional TV is losing its power isn’t a new concept, Netflix has proven that. What YouTube offers over TV and Netflix is engagement, not just reach. Currently TV has a built-in audience, the traditional ad structure and credibility, but YouTube has a new wave audience. In a world where everyone is always on-the-go with distracting technology, YouTube offers us entertainment in an ideal timeframe. It doesn’t just reach local or national consumers, it is worldwide. It showcases real people that are relatable within the available content 24/7.
While there is a lot of recycled material on YouTube, new changes are evident as YouTube continues to launch original series for viewers. YouTube users continue to lead the way; just recently YouTube announced its first official YouTube Music Awards in November with artists such as Lady Gaga, Eminem and Arcade Fire performing live in New York with users driving nominations and voting for winners.
TV may never go away, but will it eventually lose its top spot? If YouTube engineers can improve its streaming capabilities, speed and search it can escalate its competitive edge.
What do you think? Will nothing ever beat TV?
By: Vanessa Martinez
