BBC could create its own version of YouTube
If you can’t beat them join them!
BBC DG Matt Brittin has suggested that the corporation could create its own streaming platform in which outside users submit content, similar to YouTube.
Speaking at the final TV Festival in Edinburgh before the move to Manchester, Brittin said that such a service would have “a public service algorithm” which doesn’t work for the benefit of private companies. He cited the recent court case against Meta as a factor as the issue has seen substantial public debate.
The potential service would not replace iPlayer, however it could offer third parties to submit content to the platform, provided it follows specifications set by the BBC. The content on the platform wouldn’t necessarily be related to the BBC.
Brittin admitted that iPlayer is “falling behind” in comparison to giants like Netflix and Disney+, but this potential service could allow creators access to “the expertise and the platform and the reach and the trust in the BBC, in return for signing up for some policies that might be different from YouTube”.
I feel like this could be a blessing but also a curse, depending on how this plays out. I’m creating my own independently produced animated kids show for YouTube, and if I have the ability to put it on this proposed service alongside YT it might help give the series some traction. But at the same time, I’m worried about how much low quality content might be allowed on the platform if they allow the floodgates to be well and truly opened. But who knows, we’ll see what happens.