The recent hum of chatter in the tech and business spheres raise striking points about Google-parent Alphabet’s financial prospects in the light of its lagging shares. Concerns are also arising that their relatively faltering progress in the field of artificial intelligence is posing a hefty threat to their core business model, which is highly dependent on selling ads alongside search results.
However, one segment of Alphabet’s vast empire is seemingly immune to these challenges – YouTube. As described with scant details in the company’s financial filings, this ‘side hustle’ has both a growing influence and seems to be unfazed by the rising storm.
Last year, YouTube generated an impressive estimated revenue of $45.1 billion. Its popularity cannot be overstated as it is watched more often on US TVs than even Netflix and is on track to becoming the country’s biggest “cable” provider. Becoming a veritable entertainment powerhouse, its place on the throne seems secure.
In this landscape, Dave Lee suggests setting YouTube free as a standalone company. Such a proposal Chas been sparking much discussion and debate across business and tech circles regarding its feasibility and potential impact.
The full context and rationale for this striking proposition can be found in Dave Lee’s original article here.