Amazon Prime Video’s new blockbuster is a high-stakes reality competition that is redefining video and TV. Amazon Prime Video’s new reality competition series, Beast Games, hosted by popular YouTuber MrBeast, is attracting significant attention, despite a range of criticisms regarding its production quality. The series, which debuted recently, features 1,000 contestants, all competing for a whopping $5 million cash prize — a sum that MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, frequently highlights as the largest in entertainment history. Set against extravagant backdrops including a bespoke city and a private island, the series draws inspiration from the Netflix dystopian hit,…

With 45% of its audience under 30, The Independent is focusing on authentic storytelling to keep them coming. The Independent has seemingly worked out how to attract young audiences, with 45% of the publication’s audience, which totals around 25 million users, being either Gen Z or millennials, according to its editor-in-chief Geordie Greig. Speaking on BBC’s The Media Show podcast, Greig talked about the evolving demands of these younger demographics, saying: “There’s a hunger for authenticity. It’s trust and truth they want.” This focus on credibility aligns with prevailing trends indicating that younger generations are gravitating towards sources that resonate…

The gaming vertical of the Daily Mail has built a strong social presence driven primarily by engagement on TikTok. The Daily Mail’s gaming vertical, Mail Gaming, has surpassed a social footprint of half a million followers within just one year of its launch. This growth is driven by TikTok, showcasing how publishers can build young and diverse audiences online. It is also an example of how news media organisations are experimenting with different revenue options as core businesses contract. Tracy Middleton, head of media and entertainment at Mail Metro Media, told The Media Leader, “It’s been a very exciting 12…

The food website now reaches one in four Australians and grew nearly 15% year on year. Taste.com.au pivoted its content to target men and younger demographics and now leads Australia’s lifestyle category with an impressive 5.47 million users in December, representing a 14.4% increase compared to the previous year. This growth places Taste.com.au 1.36 million users ahead of its closest competitor. The latest statistics indicate that the platform reaches one in four online Australians, amassing 100 million page views in December alone. Engagement levels on the site are reported to be three times greater than those of its rivals. In…

A shift from FOMO to JOMO reflects Gen Z’s preference for quieter, more fulfilling activities. Gen Z is increasingly embracing a new lifestyle philosophy that contrasts sharply with the traditional “fear of missing out” (FOMO). This shift towards the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) reflects a growing trend among younger individuals who are finding contentment in avoiding social gatherings and opting for quieter, more personal activities. As publishers and brands chase this audience they will have to accommodate their desire for more engaging and less fleeting interactions, as well as the lifestyle choices that this mindset promotes. A recent study…

As TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance, the Chinese app RedNote is experiencing a surge in user engagement, attracting creators and users alike. TikTok is on the verge of a potential shutdown in the United States on Sunday, prompting users of the increasingly popular platform to explore alternatives. In the wake of this uncertainty, a lesser-known Chinese social media app, RedNote, is experiencing a significant surge in user engagement and popularity. The app, known as Xiaohongshu in Chinese, which translates to “Little Red Book,” has jumped to the top of the Apple App Store and is…

The latest trend in video production is for the host or creator to remain hidden from view. A recent examination into the rising phenomenon of faceless content creation on YouTube highlights how many young creators are successfully leveraging the platform without needing to reveal their identities. This trend is particularly notable among younger generations who prefer mobile-first, easily digestible content. During a recent creator meetup, members discussed their shared experience of making substantial incomes from YouTube without ever appearing on camera. The gathering revealed that many successful channels focus on educational topics, demonstrating a diverse array of interests while simplifying…

The term ‘brain rot’ has emerged as the university publisher’s 2024 Word of the Year, illustrating concerns over the impact of short-form video content on youth cognitive engagement. The phenomenon of consuming short-form video content has led to the emergence of the term “brain rot” as Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting the rapid shift in media consumption habits among younger audiences. This term, which has seen a surge in usage by 230% from 2023 to 2024, encapsulates the detrimental effects of incessantly watching seemingly meaningless social media content. Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Languages, articulated the significance of…

The feature allows users to clear the algorithmic recommendations affecting their content feeds and is aimed at younger audiences as social networks come under political pressure to restrict their access. Instagram is introducing a new feature that allows users to clear the recommendation algorithm that dictates the content appearing on their feeds, a move devised by Meta to ensure the platform remains engaging and safe for its younger users. This announcement comes in response to growing concerns regarding the appropriateness of content being recommended to impressionable audiences and the threat of age limits from some countries. The social media platform…

Study reveals that nearly 40% of Americans aged 18 to 29 rely on social media influencers for news. Social media influencers are proving to be a significant source of news for young Americans, a recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals. As traditional news organisation face new challenges in reaching diverse and younger audiences, this emerging trend underscores the potential for evolution within the media landscape. Conducted with an extensive sample of nearly 11,000 U.S. adults, Pew’s study sheds light on how digital platforms and influencers are reshaping news consumption habits and presents opportunities for broadcasters keen to adapt.…