Billionaire Elon Musk announced that long-form videos will soon be accessible on smart televisions, following reports from Fortune magazine indicating that social network X is planning to launch a TV app for Amazon and Samsung users next week.
Last October, the platform introduced an early version of video and audio calling for select users, aligning with Musk’s vision to transform it into a super app offering a range of services from messaging to peer-to-peer payments.
Responding to a user’s post on X, Musk cryptically stated, “Coming soon,” hinting at the imminent availability of long-form videos directly on smart TVs through the platform. Fortune reported that the app’s interface might resemble Google’s YouTube TV app, suggesting Musk’s ambition to compete directly with the popular video-sharing platform.
Despite X not immediately responding to Reuters’ request for additional details on the app, the move is seen as part of X’s broader strategy to evolve into a “video-first platform.”
The social network has been forming partnerships with notable figures like former Fox commentator Tucker Carlson and ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon. These efforts aim to boost engagement and content diversity on the platform.
Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of X in 2022, the platform has faced challenges in retaining advertisers due to various controversies. However, last month, X announced plans to allow advertisers to run video ads alongside specific content creators, signaling its commitment to enhancing its advertising capabilities.
As X continues its evolution and expansion, the move towards long-form videos on smart TVs aligns with broader industry trends and reflects Musk’s strategic vision for the platform.
The competition with YouTube suggests a bold push to capture a significant share of the video content market, positioning X as a multifaceted digital destination.