HBO Max launches a TikTok-like vertical video feed called 'Shorts' and an experimental AI conversational search to enhance content discovery, following trends set by Netflix, Disney+, and Peacock.
Major entertainment apps like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are converging across formats, using AI to enhance content recommendations and capture more user time. This strategic shift aims to make them default apps for all entertainment needs, driving revenue and user lock-in.
Sky, owned by Comcast, will acquire ITV's media and entertainment arm for up to £1.6bn to create a major UK streaming competitor. The deal includes ITV's TV channels and streaming service, aiming for significant audience expansion and cost savings.
Popular streamer xQc's Twitch channel received a 48-hour suspension due to two copyright strikes related to a short clip of FIFA World Cup 2026 match footage. The streamer, broadcasting on Kick, expressed confusion over the violation, suggesting the clip was from social media and only a few seconds long.
Deezer has launched a new tool allowing users to scan playlists across various streaming platforms for AI-generated music. The service, compatible with 20 platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, aims to bring AI detection directly to consumers.
YouTube has surpassed Netflix in average daily viewing time globally, driven by a shift to TV and increased content diversity. While Netflix leads in the UK, YouTube's growth is significant across demographics and regions.
Cricket Australia negotiates with Amazon and Dazn for a 4-year UK rights deal covering Ashes tours, the 150th anniversary Test, and other matches, aiming to secure a long-term contract after past short-term agreements.
Donald Trump criticizes the NFL's reliance on streaming platforms, warning that pricing out loyal fans could harm the sport, amid a DOJ antitrust investigation into the league's media distribution deals.
Donald Trump warns the NFL that its reliance on streaming platforms, requiring multiple paid subscriptions, may price out loyal fans and harm the sport, amid a DOJ antitrust investigation.
Spotify launched a 'Verified by Spotify' badge system to help listeners distinguish human musicians from AI-generated content. The green checkmark will appear on artist profiles meeting authenticity standards, while profiles primarily representing AI-generated music will be ineligible. The initiative comes as Deezer reported synthetic tracks now comprise 44% of daily uploads, and Sony Music has sought takedown of over 135,000 AI-produced songs mimicking its artists.
Spotify is introducing a 'Verified by Spotify' badge to help listeners identify authentic human artists amid a surge of AI-generated music on the platform. To receive verification, artists must demonstrate an identifiable presence both on and off platform, including concert dates, merchandise, and linked social accounts. AI-generated music profiles and AI-persona artists are ineligible. Over 99% of artists that listeners actively search for will be verified at launch, representing independent artists across various genres, career stages, and regions.
A Leipzig software developer has created Spotify AI Blocker, a tool that automatically identifies and blocks AI-generated music from playlists, as streaming platforms face growing pressure to label synthetic tracks. The tool draws on community tracking of over 4,700 suspected AI artists. While 80% of listeners in a poll supported labeling AI music, Spotify only offers voluntary disclosure features, with Deezer taking a stronger stance by excluding AI tracks from recommendations.
Deezer reveals AI-generated music now accounts for 44% of all new uploads to its platform—approximately 75,000 tracks daily—with 97% of listeners unable to distinguish AI songs from human-created music in company tests. The streaming service has developed detection technology and demonetizes 85% of AI music streams, identifying fraudulent uploads as the primary purpose. While AI music represents a small share of actual listening (1-3%), the company warns the practice threatens to dilute streaming payments.
