In what could signal a major shift for YouTube, the Google-owned company is reportedly in talks to purchase Next New Networks, a web video production company. Next New Networks "scouts new video creators" and helps them find an audience. It has been behind some of YouTube's most popular videos, including the "Bed Intruder Song," 2010's most-watched YouTube video (60 million views), and "Double Rainbow," another viral hit. Does this mean that Google, which "has always insisted" it wants YouTube to remain a repository for user-submitted video, not original content, is finally ready to change course? (See more about Next New Networks)
YouTube going niche: This is "a bet by YouTube on alternative, independently produced video," says video-industry analyst Will Richmond, as quoted in the Los Angeles Times. Google seems to be most interested in Next New Network's affiliation with professional yet individualistic filmmakers; the message here is "that online video isn't just about Hollywood. It's also about the indie stuff."
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