Yahoo! Video and Screen: The Evolution of Yahoo's Streaming Ambitions
Over the course of a decade, Yahoo! attempted to carve out a significant space in the digital video landscape. From its beginnings as a search tool to its transition into a producer of original prestige content, the company's journey through video streaming reflects the volatile nature of the internet media industry.
The Early Days of Yahoo! Video
Yahoo! Video was initially conceived as a competitor to platforms like YouTube, aiming to provide a space where users could upload and share their own clips. However, it began its life as an internet-wide video search engine, helping users find content across the web. By June 2006, Yahoo! expanded the service to allow direct user uploads. This strategy shifted in February 2008, when a site redesign pivoted the focus exclusively toward video hosted by Yahoo! itself.
The Transition to Yahoo! Screen
In late 2010, Yahoo! began a fundamental shift in its content strategy. On December 15, 2010, the ability for users to upload videos was removed to prepare for a major relaunch. By March 15, 2011, all user-generated content was deleted from the platform, though these files were preserved by the Archive Team, a group dedicated to saving digital history.
October 2011 marked the official launch of Yahoo! Screen. Moving away from user-generated content, the platform focused on professional production, debuting with eight original programs. One of its most notable successes was the Emmy-nominated series Burning Love, which ran for three seasons and was later syndicated on the E! network in 2013.
Strategic Partnerships and Acquisitions
To attract a wider audience, Yahoo! Screen pursued high-profile licensing deals. On April 24, 2013, the company acquired streaming rights for Saturday Night Live, offering archive clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and current season highlights. They also expanded their agreement with Vevo to integrate music videos and concert footage into the platform.
In a bold move in June 2014, Yahoo! picked up the NBC sitcom Community for a sixth season, which premiered on March 17, 2015. This period also saw the launch of two other original series, Sin City Saints and Other Space, though these were limited to the United States market.
The NFL Milestone
Yahoo! Screen achieved a historic broadcasting milestone in June 2015 by winning the worldwide rights to the NFL International Series game between the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars. When the game took place on October 25, it became the first NFL game broadcast almost exclusively via the internet, with traditional television broadcasts limited to the teams' local markets and specific international regions.
The Decline and Final Iterations
Despite these high-profile ventures, the financial reality was stark. Following a $42 million write-down in the third quarter of 2015—attributed largely to the poor performance of its original series—Yahoo! Screen was discontinued as a standalone portal on January 4, 2016. Original content was migrated to the "originals" section of the Yahoo! TV site.
The company made one final attempt at a streaming venture called Yahoo! View. Launched on August 8, 2016, in partnership with Hulu, this free video-on-demand service provided the five most recent episodes of series from ABC, NBC, and Fox. The service integrated with Tumblr to allow fans to access related content. However, Yahoo! View eventually ceased all operations on June 30, 2019.
Key Facts
- Initial Launch: Started as a video search engine before allowing user uploads in June 2006.
- Pivot to Professional: User-generated content was completely removed by March 2011 to make way for Yahoo! Screen.
- Notable Content: Produced the Emmy-nominated Burning Love and the sixth season of Community.
- NFL First: Broadcast the first NFL game almost exclusively via the internet in October 2015.
- Financial Loss: A $42 million write-down in 2015 led to the closure of the Yahoo! Screen portal.
- Final Service: Yahoo! View operated as a free VOD service until June 30, 2019.
| Platform | Primary Focus | Key Milestone | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yahoo! Video | Search & User Uploads | Launched user uploads (2006) | 2011 (Rebranded) |
| Yahoo! Screen | Originals & Licensed Content | NFL International Series (2015) | January 2016 |
| Yahoo! View | Free VOD (ABC, NBC, Fox) | Partnership with Hulu (2016) | June 30, 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the user videos on Yahoo! Video?
All user-generated content was removed on March 15, 2011, during the transition to Yahoo! Screen. However, much of this deleted content was saved by the Archive Team.
Which famous TV show did Yahoo! Screen save?
Yahoo! Screen acquired the rights to the NBC sitcom Community, producing and premiering its sixth season on March 17, 2015.
How did Yahoo! Screen change NFL broadcasting?
It broadcast the Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars International Series game in 2015, marking the first time an NFL game was streamed almost exclusively over the internet without a general television broadcast.
Why was Yahoo! Screen discontinued?
The portal was discontinued on January 4, 2016, following a $42 million write-down caused by the poor performance of its original series.
What was Yahoo! View?
Yahoo! View was a free video-on-demand service launched in 2016 through a partnership with Hulu, offering recent episodes from ABC, NBC, and Fox.