AI and the rise of the universal entertainment app

TechCrunch · 1 month ago · 7

Major entertainment platforms including Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are consolidating into universal apps that blend music, video, podcasts, gaming, and shopping rather than focusing on single formats. Netflix added gaming and live sports, Spotify expanded into audiobooks and fitness classes, YouTube integrated short-form content and podcasts, and TikTok added long-form videos and event ticketing. AI powers cross-format recommendation engines and content creation tools, reducing friction for users to switch apps and increasing time spent and revenue per user.