#youtube

YouTube Is TV. So Why Is Almost No One Buying It That Way? The consensus among advertisers today is that YouTube is television. It commands the most-watched screen in the U.S., hosts premium, professionally produced programming, and is counted as TV by Nielsen. Viewers consume it like traditional TV—sitting on the couch, using a remote, and engaging with content in the living room. Yet, when it comes to ad buying, this alignment with television falls apart. YouTube is still treated as a digital channel, purchased through CPM-driven strategies, planned in isolation from linear TV buys, and optimized for algorithmic efficiency rather than full-funnel outcomes. This disconnect leaves the platform, which is widely recognized as television, to be bought with media plans designed for search and display. The scale of YouTube’s reach is stark when compared to traditional TV networks. For example, CNN attracts approximately 550,000 primetime viewers on linear TV but generates around 240 million monthly YouTube views. These are the same networks and programming brands that advertisers have long trusted, yet their YouTube audiences are significantly larger than the viewership advertisers pay to secure on linear platforms. This discrepancy highlights a fundamental misalignment between how YouTube is perceived and how it is purchased. The gap persists due to structural and habitual factors. YouTube has historically been positioned within the “digital” line of media plans, managed by tools optimized for programmatic buying and Google’s ad ecosystem. Advertisers often stick to familiar workflows, using the same KPIs, reporting systems, and bidding mechanisms, rather than overhauling their processes to integrate YouTube into TV-like strategies.#youtube #cbs #nielsen #tatari #dana_delle

Study: Americans Spend More Time Watching YouTube Than Live TV A recent survey of American media consumption habits reveals that YouTube has become the dominant platform for daily engagement, surpassing both streaming services and live television in terms of user access. According to the findings, 90% of Americans access YouTube on a typical weekday, compared to 79% for streaming services and 73% for live TV. While YouTube holds the edge in user reach, the study also highlights that streaming services still command the most time spent, with users averaging one hour and 49 minutes per day, followed by YouTube at one hour and 46 minutes, and live TV at one hour and 31 minutes. The data underscores significant differences in viewing patterns across age groups. Gen Z, the youngest demographic, spends the most time on YouTube, averaging 2 hours and 25 minutes daily, far exceeding Millennials at 1 hour and 55 minutes, Gen X at 1 hour and 18 minutes, and Baby Boomers at just 53 minutes. Gender also plays a role, with men spending 2 hours and 9 minutes on YouTube compared to 1 hour and 23 minutes for women. These trends suggest a growing preference for short-form, creator-driven content over traditional linear television. Despite the shift toward YouTube, the study notes that longform content is not disappearing. Instead, the attention span of viewers is evolving. Only 12% of people give their full focus to TV programming, with the majority multitasking. For 68% of the total viewing time, users engage in second-screen activities such as scrolling social media, shopping, searching, messaging, or gaming. This fragmented attention pattern reflects broader changes in how audiences consume media, blending passive viewing with active interaction. The research also examines the role of advertising in driving these shifts.#streaming_services #youtube #gen_z #baby_boomers #live_tv

Major Garmin Launch Coming Tomorrow: Garmin Fenix 9 Expected Garmin is set to unveil a significant product tomorrow, with the event scheduled to stream live on YouTube at 7 a.m. ET. The company has described the launch as a “groundbreaking launch event,” marking a departure from its usual release strategies. While details remain scarce, several clues suggest the focus is likely on the Garmin Fenix 9, a flagship smartwatch in its lineup. The teaser materials for the event include a tagline—“your playground is calling. Now’s the time to answer”—paired with an image of a young man running through a scenic outdoor trail. Though the image is low-resolution, it hints at the watch’s potential role in adventure and fitness tracking. The accompanying YouTube page description features the hashtag “#BeatYesterday,” a recurring element in Garmin’s past campaigns promoting its outdoor-focused devices. This tagline, combined with the imagery, reinforces speculation that the Fenix 9 is the centerpiece of the launch. Further evidence of the Fenix 9’s imminent release emerged earlier this month with an FCC filing for a device believed to be the new model. The filing indicates the watch will support mobile internet connectivity and satellite communication, features that have become standard in Garmin’s high-end wearables. A Czech retailer also listed the watch in three size options—43mm, 47mm, and 51mm—mirroring the size range of previous Fenix models. These details suggest the Fenix 9 is likely an incremental update to the existing series, though specifics about new features remain unclear. Garmin’s decision to host the event on YouTube marks a shift in its marketing approach, emphasizing a more interactive and real-time experience for consumers.#smartwatch #youtube #federal_communications_commission #garmin #fenix_9

US teen drops Meta lawsuit on social media addiction days before trial A 15-year-old Florida boy who had sued Meta for allegedly causing his depression and anxiety through social media addiction withdrew his case against the company just days before a trial was set to begin in Los Angeles. His attorneys announced the decision on Wednesday, marking a significant development in a series of high-profile lawsuits against major tech companies over claims their platforms harm children. The case, brought by the boy known as RKC, originally named four defendants: YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. YouTube and TikTok had already settled in June, while Snapchat reached a tentative agreement in May, though the terms of those settlements remain confidential. RKC, who began using social media at age eight, alleged that his prolonged engagement with platforms like Instagram led to sleep deprivation, depression, and anxiety. His legal team stated that the decision to drop the case was influenced by the overall success of the litigation and concerns about the lengthy trial process. “He’s ready to close this chapter and focus on his recovery and engage in therapy as he aspires to have a normal life,” the attorneys said. Meta’s spokesperson confirmed the withdrawal, noting that RKC had not received any payment for dropping the claims. The company emphasized that the allegations “never held up” and reiterated its stance that it would not retreat from defending itself against what it called “baseless lawsuits.” The case follows a landmark ruling in March when a Los Angeles jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay $6 million in damages to a young woman who claimed the companies designed addictive products and failed to warn users about potential harms.#instagram #youtube #meta #snapchat #rkc

YouTube Picture-in-Picture Mode Malfunctions on iPhone and Android Devices YouTube has confirmed a widespread issue affecting the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature on both iOS and Android platforms. Users report that the PiP mode fails to activate when closing the YouTube app, resulting in the video stopping playback entirely while audio continues to play in the background. Instead of the expected floating player in the corner, the screen goes blank, leaving viewers unable to continue watching content without reopening the app. The problem appears to be most prevalent on iPhones, with Google noting that “the vast majority of these reports are coming from iOS users.” However, some Android users have also encountered the issue, though it seems less widespread. Testing by the publication revealed that the bug can be replicated on an iPhone running YouTube app version 21.28, but not on a Pixel device, suggesting the issue may be tied to specific iOS configurations or app versions. YouTube first identified the problem on Friday morning (Pacific Time) and stated that internal teams were actively investigating. As of Saturday afternoon, no resolution had been found, and the company urged users to monitor the YouTube Help thread for updates. The issue has caused frustration among users who rely on PiP mode for multitasking, such as watching videos while browsing or working. The PiP feature was introduced earlier this year as part of YouTube’s efforts to enhance user experience, particularly for free users. However, the current malfunction has raised concerns about the stability of the feature. While the company has not yet provided a timeline for a fix, the incident highlights the challenges of maintaining consistent functionality across different operating systems.#youtube #ios #android #picture_in_picture #youtube_app

Google's Stock Falls Over 7% On Monday As Firm Faces Pressure, High-Profile Departures Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, saw its stock plummet 7.03% on Monday, trading at $342.16 on Nasdaq as of 11:17 am ET. The sharp decline followed a breakout week where the stock had previously rebounded from a five-week slide, gaining 2.3% before the downturn. The drop comes amid mounting pressures on the tech giant, including high-profile talent departures, legal and regulatory challenges, and investor concerns over its $80 billion equity raise to fund AI initiatives. A key factor in the market reaction was the announcement of a "first-of-its-kind partnership" between Google DeepMind and A24, a prominent film production company. The collaboration, detailed in a company release, aims to advance research in AI-driven creative processes, enabling artists to explore new techniques and workflows. However, this partnership did not alleviate investor anxieties, as other issues continued to weigh on the stock. The company’s legal troubles intensified when a California court denied motions by Google’s YouTube and Meta for a new trial after a jury found both firms liable for designing social media platforms that harm young users. The verdict imposed $6 million in damages on the tech giants, highlighting growing regulatory scrutiny over their impact on mental health and societal well-being. High-profile departures from Google’s AI division further fueled investor concerns. Nobel laureate John Jumper, a co-recipient of the 2023 chemistry prize, announced his departure from DeepMind to join rival Anthropic. Jumper was a pivotal figure in the development of Google’s coding tools and had played a central role in advancing AI research within the company.#youtube #meta #a24 #alphabet_inc #google_deepmind

How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ on YouTube The 2026 FIFA World Cup™, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, will be broadcast globally through YouTube, offering fans a comprehensive digital experience. The platform has partnered with FIFA and official media partners to provide live matches, highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive features, ensuring fans can engage with the tournament regardless of their location. For viewers, the event will be accessible through a combination of official channels and regional broadcasters. The FIFA YouTube channel will host tournament highlights, analysis, and archival footage, while local broadcasters such as BBC in the U.K., Fox Sports and Telemundo in the U.S., TSN in Canada, TUDN in Mexico, and Deportes RCN in Colombia will stream matches. Fans in the U.S. can access live action via YouTube TV, which offers coverage of all matches on Fox, FS1, Telemundo, and Universo. Subscribers to FOX One through Primetime Channels will also have access to all 104 matches directly on YouTube. A key feature of the partnership is the ability to watch the first 10 minutes of every match live on official broadcasters’ YouTube channels. This allows fans to preview the action before tuning into full broadcasts. For those who miss matches, YouTube provides a robust library of footage, including Shorts for quick highlights, recaps for deeper context, and daily goal compilations. Users can search for “FIFA World Cup 2026™” to relive moments or catch up on missed games. The platform also introduces the YouTube FIFA Creator Cup, a collaboration with global creators to produce content around the tournament. Fans can use new FIFA World Cup 2026™ effects on Shorts to create their own videos.#youtube #fifa #bbc #fox_sports #2026_fifa_world_cup

Evelyn Ha's sister, Emily Ha, criticised after resurfaced clip shows ‘insensitive’ remark amid ongoing controversy A viral clip from a 2025 YouTube vlog has reignited public scrutiny of Emily Ha, Evelyn Ha’s younger sister, following Evelyn’s recent public statements about her past relationship. The clip, which originally aired as part of the Ha Sisters’ content leading up to the Coachella music festival, has been reexamined in light of new allegations Evelyn has shared about her former partner. The video, which captures a tense exchange between the sisters, has sparked widespread debate about the tone of Emily’s remark and its perceived insensitivity. The vlog, filmed in early 2025 as the sisters prepared for Coachella, features Evelyn expressing physical exhaustion and suggesting she might leave the event early. In response, Emily is heard saying, “I am not sacrificing my fun for your well being.” At the time, the comment was interpreted as part of the sisters’ usual dynamic of playful banter, a pattern often observed in their content. However, with Evelyn now openly discussing allegations of abuse and physical harm from her past relationship, the remark has been recontextualized by many viewers as dismissive or callous. Social media platforms have amplified the clip, with users dissecting the exchange and contrasting it with Evelyn’s recent disclosures. Some argue that even if Emily’s comment was intended as humor, its current interpretation feels tone-deaf given Evelyn’s public statements. Others note that sibling dynamics, particularly between close relatives, can involve sarcasm or teasing that may not translate clearly to outsiders. This perspective highlights the challenge of interpreting private interactions through a public lens.#youtube #emily_ha #erica_ha #evelyn_ha #coachella_music_festival

Coachella YouTube Set Times: How to Watch Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G from Home For those unable to attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in person this weekend, the event will be streamed live on YouTube, offering a virtual experience of the iconic desert festival. The livestream, available at youtube.com/coachella, will feature performances across three dedicated channels—Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, and Sahara—each broadcasting in 4K quality. The free event will run from Friday to Sunday, with set times meticulously scheduled to ensure fans can enjoy the lineup from the comfort of their homes. The festival’s headliners, including Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, will take the stage during the weekend’s peak hours, alongside a diverse array of artists spanning pop, rock, electronic, and indie genres. The livestream kicks off on Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with a curated schedule of performances designed to keep audiences engaged throughout the weekend. The festival’s Friday lineup begins with Teddy Swims performing from 8:30 to 9:20 p.m., followed by The xx at 10 to 10:55 p.m. Sabrina Carpenter, one of the weekend’s most anticipated acts, will take the stage from 12:05 to 1:35 a.m. The night continues with Anyma presenting ÆDEN from 3 to 4 a.m., while Dabeull performs at 7 to 7:50 p.m. Lykke Li and Dijon will follow at 8:20 to 9:10 p.m. and 9:40 to 10:30 p.m., respectively. Turnstile’s set runs from 11:05 to 12 a.m., and Disclosure will close the night with a performance from 1:35 to 2:50 a.m. Saturday’s schedule includes a bonus set from Do LaB at 2:55 to 3:55 a.m., followed by Youna and HUGEL at 7 to 8:50 p.m. Marlon Hoffstadt, KATSEYE, and Levity will perform at 9:15 to 10:15 p.m., 11 to 11:45 p.m.#youtube #justin_bieber #sabrina_carpenter #coachella_valley_music_and_arts_festival #karol_g

Mukesh Khanna Expresses Shock Over Samay Raina’s Announcement of India’s Got Latent 2 Comedian Samay Raina’s announcement of a second season for his controversial show India’s Got Latent has sparked a strong reaction from actor Mukesh Khanna, who has publicly criticized the decision. During his special Still Alive on April 7, Raina confirmed the return of the show, a move that has drawn widespread backlash for its explicit and offensive content. Khanna, who has been a vocal critic of the program, expressed disbelief and outrage, accusing the platform that hosts the show of enabling harmful material. Khanna’s comments, shared with Hindustan Times, highlight his frustration with the show’s creators and the platform that allows such content. “Nahi aane dena chahiye,” he said, emphasizing that the show should not be allowed to return. He questioned how YouTube, the platform hosting the show, could permit “ashleel” (obscene) content and “below the belt” jokes, which he described as crossing ethical boundaries. Khanna also criticized the audience for laughing at such material, asking, “Do these people not have their own conscience or values?” He argued that the show’s content, while presented as entertainment, lacks the boundaries of a joke and could harm individuals. The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent has been ongoing since its debut. Khanna previously condemned the show for its vulgar humor and its perceived disrespect toward public figures. His latest remarks build on earlier criticisms, particularly regarding a remark Raina made about the superhero Shaktimaan, which Khanna dismissed as misguided. “Samjhaana usko hota hai jo samajhna chahta hai,” Khanna said, implying that Raina’s criticism of Shaktimaan is self-serving and lacks understanding of the cultural significance of the character.#hindustan_times #youtube #mukesh_khanna #samay_raina #india_s_got_latent

DLive Shuts Down After Eight Years, Leaving Creators in Uncertainty DLive, a livestreaming platform that sought to challenge giants like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, officially shut down on April 7, 2026, marking the end of an eight-year experiment. The company confirmed it would cease operations permanently, leaving creators and users scrambling to adapt. At the time of shutdown, creators faced restrictions, including the inability to stream, earn money, or manage subscription services. The platform’s reliance on blockchain and cryptocurrency rewards, which had initially drawn attention, ultimately proved unsustainable as it struggled to compete with established platforms. DLive’s decline was attributed to several factors. Despite its innovative approach—rewarding both creators and viewers with cryptocurrency instead of traditional advertising—it failed to gain widespread adoption. Established platforms like Twitch and YouTube had already captured the majority of the market, leaving DLive with limited resources to scale. The platform’s user base dwindled further due to negative feedback, which highlighted issues such as poor user experience and a lack of engagement. By 2026, DLive’s inability to retain audiences and generate consistent revenue had become evident. The platform’s early success was partly fueled by its partnership with Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg, a prominent YouTuber whose involvement brought global attention to DLive. However, this momentum waned after BitTorrent Inc. acquired DLive in 2019. The acquisition aimed to expand the platform’s crypto-based features, but most users remained skeptical of the system. Regular users found the cryptocurrency model confusing and impractical, while creators struggled to grow their audiences compared to the larger, more established platforms.#youtube #twitch #d_live #felix_pewdiepie #bit_torrent_inc

YouTube Quietly Raises Price of YouTube Premium Subscription YouTube has quietly increased the price of its paid subscription service, YouTube Premium, without widely publicizing the change. The adjustment, which went unnoticed by many users, has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users reported discrepancies between the price displayed on desktop versus mobile devices. According to reports, individual plans now cost $15.99 per month (approximately 2,550 yen) or $159.99 per year (around 25,470 yen), while family plans have been raised to $26.99 per month (about 4,300 yen). The price hike was not reflected in online sources, leading some users to question whether the change was implemented discreetly. Reddit user Nicholas_I noted that the price increase was not communicated through email notifications or official channels. He observed that the price listed on desktop devices differed from the amount shown on iOS apps, raising suspicions about the timing and transparency of the adjustment. Another user reported discovering the change while checking a 3-month free trial offer, which remained unchanged but revealed a higher monthly rate. This discrepancy highlights the confusion surrounding the update, as some users in Canada reportedly did not see the price increase, suggesting regional variations in the rollout. The price adjustments have drawn attention to the broader context of YouTube’s subscription strategy. While the service has raised prices multiple times in the past, Japan has remained unaffected in certain instances. For example, in September 2024, YouTube Premium’s price in Japan was unchanged, with individual plans at 1,280 yen per month (12,800 yen annually) and family plans at 2,280 yen monthly. Students, however, still pay 780 yen monthly.#netflix #youtube #reddit #youtube_premium #nicholas_i

YouTube Raises Premium Prices in the US Without Public Announcement YouTube has quietly increased the cost of its Premium subscription plans in the United States, with the changes taking effect without any official announcement or public notice. The individual plan, which previously cost $13.99 per month, is now priced at $15.99. The family plan, which previously ranged from $22.99 to $26.99, has seen its monthly rate rise to $26.99. The annual plan, which was previously $139.99 for a year, has been adjusted to $159.99. Additionally, the Premium Lite plan, which previously cost $7.99 per month, now carries a price of $8.99. The updated pricing was confirmed by users who checked YouTube’s official website and Google’s search results for the Premium page. A separate thread on the r/youtube subreddit noted that users had already spotted the higher family plan price on desktop versions of the platform before receiving any email notifications about the change. This contrasts with YouTube’s previous price increase in July 2023, when the individual plan was raised from $11.99 to $13.99. At that time, the company provided advance notice and a spokesperson statement, which was documented by tech news outlet 9to5Google. The current price hike appears to be the first significant adjustment to YouTube Premium since the 2023 update. Prior to this change, publications such as Android Police had still been citing the $14 monthly rate for individual plans as of a few weeks ago. The new pricing is now live, with users reporting the updated rates on both the YouTube website and Google’s search results. The lack of public communication around this change has sparked speculation among users and analysts.#google #youtube #youtube_premium #premium_lite #r_youtube

YouTube Premium and Lite Pricing Shifts: A Strategic Move in the Streaming Market YouTube has announced significant changes to its subscription plans, with the Premium tier now priced at $13.99 per month and the newly introduced Lite plan available for $7.99 monthly. These adjustments, effective starting March 2026, reflect a strategic effort to cater to diverse user preferences while balancing the financial demands of content production and distribution. The decision has sparked discussions among consumers, creators, and industry analysts, as the two tiers offer distinct experiences tailored to different needs. The Premium plan, priced at $13.99, includes full ad-free access to YouTube content alongside YouTube Music Premium. This tier is designed for heavy users, creators, and music enthusiasts who require uninterrupted viewing, background playback, and offline downloads. Family plans under this tier have seen a price increase to $22.99 per month, allowing up to five household members to share accounts. Each user benefits from personalized recommendations and individual watch histories, making it ideal for those who rely on YouTube for both entertainment and creative inspiration. In contrast, the Lite plan, launched in March 2025, has been reduced to $7.99 monthly, positioning it as a more affordable option for casual viewers. While it excludes access to YouTube Music, it retains key features such as background playback and offline downloads, which were recently added to the Lite tier in February 2026. This pricing strategy aims to attract price-sensitive users who may have previously avoided subscriptions due to the higher cost of the Premium plan. By offering a stripped-down version of the service, YouTube hopes to expand its user base while maintaining revenue streams.#youtube #youtube_music #streaming_market #youtube_premium #youtube_lite

Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Bypass of YouTube's Data Safeguards The lawsuit centers on allegations that Amazon improperly accessed YouTube’s protected data by employing virtual machines and rotating IP addresses to evade detection, effectively circumventing the platform’s measures against bulk downloading. Plaintiffs argue that these methods allowed Amazon to sidestep YouTube’s safeguards, enabling the company to collect vast amounts of data without proper authorization. Amazon has not commented on the allegations, leaving the matter unresolved. The case is part of a growing wave of legal challenges scrutinizing the boundaries of AI training practices. It joins a series of high-profile lawsuits brought by authors, artists, and news organizations against companies like OpenAI and Meta. These cases collectively grapple with a central legal question: where does the doctrine of fair use end and copyright infringement begin? The lawsuits highlight the tension between technological innovation and the rights of content creators, as companies seek to train AI systems on vast datasets while facing accusations of exploiting protected material. YouTube, owned by Google, has long maintained that its data protections are designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with copyright laws. The plaintiffs in the Amazon case claim that the company’s actions undermine these safeguards, potentially setting a precedent for similar violations. The case could have significant implications for how tech firms navigate data collection practices and their obligations under intellectual property laws. The legal battle underscores the broader debate over the ethical and legal limits of AI development.#google #youtube #amazon #ai_training #copyright_infringement

Lorde hits the 1-billion mark: 5 takeaways from “Royals” joining YouTube’s top-viewed club The music video for Lorde’s “Royals” has surpassed one billion views on YouTube, marking a significant milestone in the song’s legacy. The achievement highlights the contrast between the song’s minimalist aesthetic and the typical grandeur associated with high-view count videos. While many videos with over a billion views rely on elaborate visuals or choreography, “Royals” thrives on its simplicity, emphasizing relatability and restraint. This endurance suggests that authenticity and a focus on raw emotion can resonate deeply with audiences, even in an era dominated by spectacle. “Royals” served as the lead single from Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine, which launched her career with a powerful presence in the music industry. The track spent nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making Lorde the youngest artist to achieve a No. 1 single since Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” in 1987. This feat underscored the song’s mainstream appeal and solidified Lorde’s role as a breakout star. The record’s success was not just a personal milestone for the artist but also a testament to the song’s ability to connect with a broad audience, bridging the gap between niche artistry and pop culture. From its inception, “Royals” was framed as a reflection of teenage life, capturing the complexities of adolescence with a candid and introspective lens. Lorde’s lyrics and visuals positioned the song as a commentary on identity, privilege, and the pressures of growing up. This thematic approach resonated with listeners, contributing to the track’s longevity and cultural impact.#youtube #royals #billboard_hot_100 #lorde #pure_heroine

Oscars Viewership Drops 9% Amid Declining Trends in Award Shows The 2024 Academy Awards attracted 17.9 million viewers on Sunday night, marking a 9 percent decline from the previous year’s broadcast, according to Nielsen. This represents the first drop in viewership for the Oscars since 2021 and follows similar declines for the Grammy Awards and Golden Globe Awards this year. The trend highlights a broader shift in audience engagement with major award shows, as all three events recorded lower ratings compared to previous years. The Oscars’ ratings have been on a four-year upward trajectory until this year, when the decline coincided with the broadcast of the World Baseball Classic. The semifinal game between the United States and the Dominican Republic, which aired on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes, drew 7.4 million viewers—a significant number for cable networks. While the sports event may have diverted some attention, the decline in Oscar viewership is attributed to broader changes in media consumption habits and competition from streaming platforms. The telecast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, received mostly positive reviews, with “One Battle After Another” winning the best picture award and “Sinners” securing four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan’s first best actor win. Despite the drop in viewership, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not face the same pressure as before. The organization’s long-standing partnership with ABC, which spans over half a century, will end after 2028. Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube, reflecting a strategic shift toward digital platforms. Nielsen’s ratings data includes both live viewers on ABC and those who streamed the ceremony on Hulu.#world_baseball_classic #conan_obrien #youtube #academy_of_motion_picture_arts_and_sciences #grammys

Channel Surfer Site Brings the Classic TV Guide to YouTube A new website called Channel Surfer has emerged as a digital alternative to traditional cable TV guides, offering users a nostalgic browsing experience on YouTube. The platform, which features 40 dedicated channels, quickly gained traction, drawing 10,000 users on its first day of operation. Developed by Steven Irby, the site aims to replicate the familiar interface of old-school cable TV guides, allowing users to navigate content through categories like sports, news, and AI. The platform’s design mirrors the Electronic Program Guide found on DVRs and FAST TV services, displaying up to 24 hours of programming at a time. Unlike a physical DVR, however, Channel Surfer does not support recording content. Users can access the site via computer, mobile phone, or PC, with options to either tap a channel name to watch content directly or use arrow buttons to channel-surf through different categories. Irby, who shared his vision for the project, explained that he created the site to combat the frustrations of endless YouTube scrolling and algorithm-driven recommendations. “I miss channel surfing and not having to decide what to watch,” he said. “I want to just sit and tune in to what’s on and not think about what to watch next.” Despite its promising debut, the platform is still in its early stages. The number of available channels is limited to 40, and content is currently manually programmed, giving the site a somewhat unfinished feel. Some users have noted that pausing the site can cause content to restart at random, indicating room for improvement. While the service is not yet polished, its unique approach to organizing YouTube content has already sparked interest.#youtube #channel_surfer #steven_irby #dvr #fast_tv

Channel Surfer lets you watch YouTube like it’s old-school cable TV The app mimics the experience of channel surfing on traditional cable TV by allowing users to browse topic-specific channels and select content to watch as if tuning into a live broadcast. At launch, it features 40 custom-built channels, spanning categories like news, politics, sports, lifestyle, music, and tech-focused topics such as “AI & ML,” “Code & Dev,” “Space,” “Retro Tech,” “Tech & Gadgets,” and “Gaming.” A small counter at the bottom of the screen displays how many other users are currently watching YouTube alongside the user. Steven Irby, the app’s creator, explained that he developed Channel Surfer to escape the overwhelming nature of YouTube’s recommendation algorithm and the constant need to decide what to watch. “I miss channel surfing and not having to decide what to watch,” he said. “I want to just sit and tune into what’s on and not think about what to watch next.” Irby also noted that the app’s design mirrors his mother’s experience with cable TV, aiming to recreate that sense of passive entertainment. Additionally, he highlighted the comfort of knowing others are watching the same content. Irby, a 40-year-old tech veteran with a decade of global travel under his belt, described the project as part of his ongoing creative experiments. “I have so much creativity from my long, weird journey,” he said. “I can’t bear the thought of being a Jira ticket monkey anymore.” The app’s rapid success was evident in its first day, with over 10,000 views on its website, a milestone Irby called “blowing up overnight.” Technically, Channel Surfer is currently a static Next.js site hosted on Cloudflare, utilizing PartyKit for functionality.#youtube #channel_surfer #steven_irby #cloudflare #github_actions

Abbottabad Region set to face Lahore Region Blues in the Pakistan National T20 Cup 2026, with both teams aiming to secure crucial victories in Match 19. Abbottabad currently sits third in the points table with four points, having won two of their three matches. Their recent performance includes a loss to Sialkot Region, which ended their winning streak. The team will look to regain momentum under the leadership of captain Khalid Usman. Lahore Region Blues, on the other hand, are in a challenging position, having yet to secure a win in the tournament. Their last match saw a heavy 57-run defeat against Karachi Region, and they will need to adjust their strategy to achieve their first win. The match will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on March 16, 2026, starting at 04:45 PM IST. The game will be streamed live on PTV and YouTube, with real-time scores available on cricketwinner.com. Weather conditions are expected to be pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 13 degrees Celsius and partly sunny skies. Humidity levels are projected to be high at 93%, which could influence the playing conditions. The pitch at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is generally favorable for batsmen, though bowlers can expect early success if they maintain accuracy in line and length. Pace bowlers are likely to have an advantage in the initial stages, with a 60% chance of winning if the team bowls first. The average first innings score is 174, while the second innings averages 180. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is considered the optimal strategy for the team. Recent form highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Abbottabad’s last five matches include a loss, two wins, a loss, and a win, while Lahore Region Blues have recorded two losses, two losses, a win, and a win.#imran_khan_cricket_stadium #youtube #lahore_region_blues #abbottabad_region #ptv