Elon Musk brings new competition for YouTube with X TV, beta version of the streaming app already available

X TV allows users to stream videos shared on X directly to their smart TVs, similar to YouTube. There will also be news, exclusive content and live events. The app is currently available on devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and LG TVs. In the description of the Google Play Store, X TV is presented as a "trusted global digital town square for everyone" that aims to bring "unique and engaging content" to the living room.

To access content, users must log in with an X account. Visually and functionally, X TV is very similar to YouTube. The business model is also comparable, as the use of the app is financed by advertising. Paid functions, such as verification via blue checkmarks on the X platform, have not been transferred to X TV. The service therefore remains free to use for the time being.

Initial challenges and user criticism

Despite the great excitement surrounding the beta version, initial user reports show that the app is still struggling with problems. On LG televisions, it is reportedly sometimes not possible to open links that lead to privacy policies or terms of use. There are said to be similar difficulties on other devices. Many users therefore rate the app as unfinished, although this is put into perspective by the fact that it is currently still in the beta phase.

There are also doubts about the competitiveness of X TV. On Reddit users are skeptical as to whether Musk can build up a significant user base with this project. Some believe that the classic TV format is no longer up to date in today's streaming landscape. After all, YouTube and Netflix are also available on smartphones. Whether X TV could still become interesting in the long term thanks to exclusive content and live TV events remains to be seen.

X (formely Twitter / Elon Musk)

Image source: GooglePlay Store