Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made several strategic investments over the years. One of those investments was a past attempt to buy YouTube. But the question remains – does he still own it?
The quick answer is no. Google bought YouTube in 2006, making it a subsidiary of the tech giant. Zuckerberg thought YouTube would be a great asset to his company, but Google was willing to pay the $1.65 billion price tag. Google believed YouTube would be a great addition to its overall portfolio and wasn’t prepared to let its potential slip away.
In many respects, Zuckerberg was ahead of the curve. He saw the potential of YouTube and wanted to get in on the ground floor.
Google’s purchase of YouTube has proved to be a very wise investment. YouTube was founded in 2005 and is now one of the most popular online video services in the world. It also generated more than $15 billion for Google in 2020.
Google immediately saw YouTube’s potential as a powerful tool for connecting people. The new streaming video platform would give anyone with a device the ability to create and share videos. The company was well aware of the wonders of free advertising and used those principles to its advantage. Not only did Google make money from the advertising revenues, but it also created a huge user base for the tech giant.
But it’s not just Google that has benefited from YouTube. Video creators, influencers, and everyday viewers have gained as well. YouTube has provided a platform for many to share their talents and show their skills, as well as an opportunity to make money off of their content. Viewers can now find virtually any type of content on YouTube. From music videos and cooking tutorials, to gaming guides and ASMR videos, the sheer variety of content can only be described as staggering.
So, why did Mark Zuckerberg lose out on the chance to own YouTube? What was it about Google that made them the victor in this high-stakes bidding war? The main reason was Google’s deep pockets and willingness to spend. That combined with the company’s vast array of other services and technologies made it a powerful force in the online video market.
The Future of YouTube
YouTube has so far achieved much success. Yet, the tech giant looks to increase its presence in other areas, such as video game streaming and interactive livestreaming.
Already, YouTube has rolled out its streaming service, YouTube TV, as well as extensively investing in esports. Its recent signing of a partnership with the NBA 2K League is likely to add even further appeal and growth in the near future.
These moves at being involved in all aspects of the entertainment business is a hint that if other new products, such as another streaming service, ever emerge from YouTube, then so too could a much larger focus on gaming, social media and virtual reality.
This could all lead to more competition for Google, as well as more opportunities for people to engage and consume more content. Utilising content and drive engagement is what the company is all about.
As YouTube continues to expand, it is likely that its core services and products will remain at the centre of its future success. YouTube Red, its subscription-based streaming service, is a premier example of how the company is capitalising on its market position.
Failed Opportunity or Strategically Savvy Move?
The fact that Mark Zuckerberg attempted to purchase YouTube says a lot about his foresight as a businessperson and investor. He saw the potential of YouTube and its influence in the online video market. Unfortunately for him, the deal didn’t pan out.
That being said, Zuckerberg’s failed attempt to buy YouTube did not stop him from achieving success in the online video market. Facebook has gone on to become one of the most influential platforms for video content distribution, and the key driving force for video creators..
Facebook’s Video on Demand service, which was launched in 2018, allows viewers to watch and share videos from their News Feed. This service has become a major revenue source for Facebook, as well as a key ingredient in their success as a tech giant.
The fact that Zuckerberg was willing to invest large sums of money in a potential acquisition without the guarantee of a pay-off says a lot about his character as a businessperson. He is willing to take risks in order to attain long-term success.
Lessons Learned
In the end, Mark Zuckerberg’s failed attempt to purchase YouTube has few lessons to teach. But what can we learn from this experience as a business savvy viewers?
First and foremost, know your market. If Zuckerberg had better understood the power of Google, he might’ve decided to make a different move. Secondly, make sure you can accrue the necessary resources to invest in a potential acquisition. Thirdly, have a vision for the future and make sure the company you’re investing in has the same vision.
Finally, be prepared to think outside the box. Think of different avenues and possibilities to make sure you get the most out of your investment. In this case, that could be tapping into the power of YouTube for other purposes.
Understanding Your Niche
Of course, Mark Zuckerberg is not the only businessperson who understands the power of YouTube. Other companies and creators are quickly learning the power of the platform, and honing their skills in order to make sophisticated content that is both entertaining and informative.
By understanding their niche and developing a content strategy, creators can use YouTube to their advantage. They can also use it to reach new audiences and to expand their own brand and presence.
To be successful on YouTube, creators need to focus on creating content that appeals to a wider audience and is original in some way. They also need to be willing to experiment with different formats and themes in order to engage viewers.
It is critical that creators understand their audience and use the YouTube platform to their advantage. This includes utilizing tools such as the YouTube search engine and the YouTube algorithm to their fullest.
Final Thoughts
In the end, we can all learn a lot from Mark Zuckerberg’s failed attempt to purchase YouTube. By understanding the power of the platform, as well as recognizing its potential, we can create content that appeals to a wider audience.
At the same time, it is important to remember that success won’t come overnight. It takes time, hard work, and a great deal of patience to succeed on YouTube. It also takes dedication to learning the nuances of the platform, and how best to take advantage of it.
In conclusion, it is clear that Mark Zuckerberg’s strategic investment in YouTube was ultimately unsuccessful. Nevertheless, we can all learn something from his experience. We should be willing to take risks and be prepared to experiment with different formats and themes.
