4 ms·
I'm guessing they don't need this to attract more users, rather it's probably more of a defensive move. Add the functionality to keep other possible platforms f
by gexla 9y ago
I'm guessing they don't need this to attract more users, rather it's probably
more of a defensive move. Add the functionality to keep other possible platforms
from coming out of nowhere. FB understands (as does Netflix, HBO, etc) that high
quality, exclusive content requires a big investment. I'm sure they'll
eventually go that route. Why not? They have the cash and they would already be
playing catch-up for a next logical step for a video platform. This will
probably be good for content creators. There are only so many superstars that
you can chase after. With Amazon, Google, FB and the old guard going after the
same pool, there may be some massive payouts going to people who can deliver the
hits.
Think of stand-up comedy. Louis CK might take a couple of years to build content
for a one hour show. How much would that be worth when you have each of the tech
giants bidding out for the rights to that show? Sure, he could get writers, but
that wouldn't be Lewis CK (it would be his personality, but not his jokes) and
it would have to be for a different type of show. After Lewis CK, there aren't
many comics who can draw the same numbers he can.
- lallysingh 9y agoFB's better off becoming the online Nielson ratings for online video instead of competing with the rest. They can add actual value.
- dkrich 9y agoI'll be interested to see where Netflix, HBO, and Amazon end up because right now it seems like a race to the bottom. Netflix is spending billions (I believe $8 billion this year) to create original content. Both Amazon and Netflix want to add more and more premium content while lowering prices. Channels or streaming services are now identified by the shows they have more than the service itself (I'm going to pay for Netflix because I like House of Cards and Stranger Things, HBO because I like Game of Thrones, etc.) Each is only as good as their latest shows and content is increasingly becoming a commodity. Whereas 20 years ago if NBC had a few flops and fell in the ratings it hurt their ad revenue a bit but they still were piped into the same houses, now if Netflix fails to put out hit shows, people will pay a competing service instead.