Delhi: Elon Musk's company X is poised to enter the television space with the upcoming launch of a dedicated TV app, positioning itself as a direct competitor to industry leaders such as Alphabet Inc.'s YouTube.
Release details and features
While a precise release date has yet to be announced, X has promised that the app will be "coming soon" to most smart TVs. A notable feature of the app will be its ability to cast videos from smartphones to TV screens, similar to functionalities already available from tech giants like Google and Amazon.
Strategic partnerships
As part of its focus on video content, X has formed several high-profile partnerships. However, a potential collaboration with former CNN anchor Don Lemon for an exclusive show did not materialise after an interview between Lemon and Musk.
Monetisation and the 'Everything App' vision
X has expressed openness to exploring various partnership models, including incorporating advertisements. This approach is in line with Musk’s ambition to transform X (formerly known as Twitter) into an "everything app," aiming to diversify its revenue sources and carve out a unique niche in the crowded social media arena. Musk has specifically mentioned YouTube and Microsoft Corp.'s LinkedIn as benchmarks in X's expansion plans.
Video content popularity
The growing demand for video content on X is evident, with users having watched a total of 23 billion minutes of video over the past month. This statistic highlights the significant potential for X to leverage video consumption trends among its audience.
Previously, in response to a user's query about the availability of long-form videos on smart TVs, Musk teased the feature's upcoming launch on X with a brief "Coming soon," suggesting that the development of this capability is well underway.