‘Article 13’ Advances In Europe, Potentially Costing YouTube Billions – And Closing the ‘Value Gap’

YouTube may finally have to pay the music industry and thousands of artists the money they deserve. YouTube has long had a rocky relationship with the music industry. Thanks to the video platform actively exploiting ‘safe harbor’ loopholes in copyright…

YouTube Music Expands Into 17 Countries — But Not With Beyonce & Jay-Z

YouTube Music chief Lyor Cohen is blasting email alerts to users in 12 more countries.  That brings YouTube Music’s rollout to 17 countries worldwide, though not everyone is playing along. After a stalled start, YouTube Music is finally getting r…

Looks Like Instagram Is Launching 1 Hour Videos Next Week

Instagram is preparing a momentous change, one likely involving long-form video.  In a matter of days. Instagram is now preparing a major platform update on June 20th, according to cryptic invites mailed to journalists.  The social media giant is tight…

11 Years Later, the Famous YouTube ‘Dancing Baby’ Case Is Over

In 2007, a cute video of a baby dancing got uploaded to YouTube.  That was the start of a huge legal battle. In 2007, YouTube was a mere fraction of its size today.  Still a growing platform for video sharing, YouTube was freshly obtained by Google (fo…

What Could the Vienna Court Ruling Mean for YouTube and Facebook?

Looks like YouTube can’t use its favorite “safe harbor” defense any longer. In a preliminary ruling, the Vienna Commercial Court has found that no, YouTube isn’t a neutral host provider. Once the ruling goes into effect, YouTube must prevent third part…

YouTube Music Is Now Running Ads — for a Site That Hasn’t Launched

YouTube is now running ads for its much-ballyhooed YouTube Music service.  Just one problem. When, oh when, is YouTube Music going to launch?  Despite a splashy launch date of May 22nd, YouTube Music’s entry page still says ‘Coming Soon&#82…

Tuma Basa Officially Named Director of Urban Music at YouTube

Tuma Basa, Spotify’s former global programming head of hip-hop, is expected to replicate his ‘RapCaviar’ success at YouTube. Rap Caviar is Spotify’s most popular genre-specific playlist which has about 9 million followers.  And you ca…

Should YouTube Forcibly Remove Music Videos Featuring Violent Lyrics?

So, what’s the root of all of society’s woes?  According to Scotland Yard, drill music on YouTube.  Never mind the massive poverty affecting many young black Londoners. YouTube has removed thirty videos at the request of British police, mostly fe…

YouTube Music Will be Supported by the Biggest Advertising Campaign In the Company’s History

This time, YouTube looks serious about its music subscription service.  Get ready for an absolutely huge advertising push — with Cardi B kicking things off. At first blush, YouTube Music Premium sounds like another half-baked re-run.  Over the past few…

YouTube Music Launches Brand-New Charts In 44 Different Countries

YouTube wants to showcase and celebrate the hottest artists, songs and music videos from around the world.  Here’s how they’re going to do it. Today, YouTube is introducing a new and improved music charts experience for 44 global desti…