Learn how to validate your startup idea by pre-selling it, for only $80 (includes a free 1-hour consultancy call).

Youtube Leanback

TV interface for Youtube
Google Cemetery

Don't be the average security professional that spends 4,300 hours annually to maintain compliance. Simplify your audits and reduce your workload with G2's 5-star rated compliance automation platform.

Get started →
GENERAL INFORMATION
Category:
Entertainment
Started:
2010
BUSINESS FAILURE
Cause:
Multiple Reasons
Closed:
2019

Don't be the average security professional that spends 4,300 hours annually to maintain compliance. Simplify your audits and reduce your workload with G2's 5-star rated compliance automation platform.

Get started →

Description

Leanback was a YouTube interface that launched in 2010. It was aimed at users of PC and other non-TV devices and provided them with an experience more similar to the one they would get on their TV even when accessing YouTube from a browser thanks to changes in the UI. 

Youtube Leanback

Cause of Failure

In September 2019, YouTube users started seeing a message on their YouTube screen. It was informing them that the current layout would no longer be available in a browser. Leanback was removed from non-supported devices on October 2, 2019, and remained only on Smart TV systems such as Android TV and Roku TV.  

Google’s official statement was that the interface was meant to be used only on devices that supported all its functions, and that wasn’t the case at the time. The changes ensured that only Google-licensed platforms would exploit the feature.

Another reason for Google’s decision might be the difference in content engagement between PC users and TV users. Various sources such as nSreenMedia and Freewheel have pointed out that TV users stay engaged almost twice as long as PC users and have a higher completion rate. If this is true, more TV usage would mean more ad exposure and more revenue for Google.

The All-In-One Newsletter for Startup Founders

90% of startups fail. Learn how not to with our weekly guides and stories. Join +40,000 other startup founders!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.