Season 8 · Episode 612
YouTube’s Legal Defense, Instagram’s Addiction Denial, YouTube Outpaces Netflix
February 23, 202622m 16s
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Show Notes
News and Updates:
- YouTube argued in a landmark addiction trial that it is an entertainment platform, not social media, comparing its algorithm to a helpful librarian rather than addictive gambling.
- Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that 16-hour daily scrolling is "problematic" but not a clinical addiction, despite lawsuits linking excessive use to mental health issues.
- YouTube's 2025 revenue hit $60 billion, surpassing Netflix. Growth was driven by 325 million paid subscribers, NFL Sunday Ticket, and record-breaking fourth-quarter advertising sales.
Alphabet plans to double AI capital expenditures to $185 billion in 2026. Meanwhile, YouTube secured exclusive Oscar rights starting in 2029 to expand entertainment dominance.