Featured

• Censorship claims, investigations, and alternate apps: The U.S. TikTok app is off to a rough start
• Top 5 Branded Videos of the Week: 30 celebrities wrestling with the anime angel

  Tell us that title isn't an anime you would watch. (And then Netflix would make a middling live action adaptation.) This week, like last week, is largely Shorts. And, as usual, MrBeast is at the top. But we do have a couple sponsors who aren't normally in our top 5, including the very timely TurboTax. Don't worry, though--our bonus video will distract you from the impending doom of owing the IRS.

  
• Universal Music Group’s new Twitch account puts a fresh spin on live music

  Universal Music Group is increasing its activity on Twitch with a live channel that will tie into this year's Grammy Awards.

  
• Have you heard? Soulja Boy’s Twitch diss, YouTube TV’s upgrade, and notes from the TikTok deal

  Soulja Boy turned his Kick swag on, TikTok finally agreed to its U.S. divestment deal, and YouTube TV got a new-and-improved feature.

  
• Instagram’s rumored paid tier would let subscribers see who doesn’t follow them back
• TikTok breaks down €31 billion economic impact in the European Union
• Can a docuseries bring “the Alix Earle effect” to Netflix?
• Democrats need creators during the 2026 midterms, so a group of Senators is reaching out
• Artie is the newest firm “democratizing access to capital” in the creator economy
• Top 5 Branded Videos of the Week: A full week of Shorts (plus Veritasium)
• Losing track of your newsletter subscriptions? A “newsletter of newsletters” will help you out.
• As YouTube refreshes its look, is it time to say goodbye to the play button?