From the Archives revisits XBMC’s impact on modern streaming. Launched in 2002 for the Xbox, the open-source media center evolved into Kodi and influenced platforms like Plex, Emby, and Smart TVs. Its add-on ecosystem pioneered the app-based model used by…
YouTube has quietly become the world’s largest podcast platform, with 1 billion monthly podcast viewers—far outpacing Spotify (100 million) and Apple Podcasts. Unlike traditional podcast platforms, YouTube’s video-first approach is redefining the format, forcing creators to prioritize visuals for discovery…
Barb will begin tracking YouTube viewership on TV sets in Q3 2025, reporting daily audience figures for 200 channels in partnership with Kantar Media and SeeViews. This follows a successful 2024 pilot and reflects YouTube’s growing presence on TV, which…
YouTube is updating its mid-roll ad placement strategy to improve the viewing experience and help creators maximize revenue. Starting May 12, the platform will reduce ads that interrupt sentences or action sequences, instead placing them at natural breaks. Older videos…
YouTube is cracking down on piracy tutorials, removing videos that show how to bypass paywalls, jailbreak devices, or illegally access content. The move is driven by a mix of legal pressure, financial interests, and industry partnerships, with AI-powered moderation flagging…
Ampere Analysis finds that while smart TVs are growing in Europe, broadcast TV remains dominant, with viewers averaging 60 minutes daily. In the U.S., smart TVs lead, with over 90 minutes spent daily—25% more than in early 2021. Samsung is…
From the Archives goes back to Justin.tv, the pioneering live-streaming platform that laid the groundwork for Twitch. Launched in 2007 by Justin Kan and his co-founders, the platform started as a 24/7 lifecasting experiment before evolving into a hub for…
From the Archives revisits Boxee, an early streaming pioneer that integrated online content, local media playback, and social features into an open-source platform. Initially gaining traction with software for Mac, Linux, and Apple TV, Boxee later launched the Boxee Box…
Apple is launching a dedicated Apple TV+ app for Android, expanding its reach beyond its own ecosystem. This move aligns with Apple's broader strategy of prioritizing content distribution over platform control, ensuring Apple TV+ is accessible on as many devices…
YouTube’s biggest screen is now the TV, with more watch time happening on television than on mobile or desktop. In December 2024, YouTube accounted for 11.1% of total U.S. TV viewing—beating Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu—marking a major shift in…
