Yahoo Shuts Down Its “Screen” Online Video Platform

When it comes to online video platforms, YouTube is probably the most prominent. It plays hosts to vlogs, comedy sketches, cooking tutorials, rants, and even content from more established TV channels like ESPN, ABC, CNN, and etc., and its success is no surprise as to why some companies have tried to step foot into the market as well.

One of those players from a couple of years ago is Yahoo. The company launched Screens which was supposed to be the equivalent of YouTube, but at the same time it will also merge professional content and offer original content programming, something that Yahoo had spent $100 million on. Unfortunately it looks like Screen did not last too long and has since been shuttered.

According to a statement given to Variety from a Yahoo spokeswoman, “At Yahoo, we’re constantly reviewing and iterating on our products as we strive to create the best user experience. With that in mind, video content from Yahoo as well as our partners has been transitioned from Yahoo Screen to our Digital Magazine properties so users can discover complementary content in one place.”

As to why they might be shuttering the service, it seems that many users did not take too well to the service. A comScore report revealed that Yahoo’s Screen’s viewers remained at 25 million from February 2014 until September 2015, versus other platforms like YouTube which saw a 15% increase to 862 million, and Facebook where its video audience shot 50% to 589 million.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Web
Tags: Yahoo