The Power of Curated Content: Enhancing Entertainment Value and Social Connection

The Power of Curated Content: Enhancing Entertainment Value and Social Connection

Introduction:
In today's digital age, successful mobile video apps are not just about the viewing experience; they are about creating social experiences. This realization has led to the rise of platforms like TikTok, which have captured the attention of millions with their entertaining and shareable content. On the other hand, platforms like Quibi, despite their promising concept, have struggled to gain traction. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Entertainment Value Curve and the role of content curation in driving engagement and social connection.

Understanding the Entertainment Value Curve:
The Entertainment Value Curve is a formula that combines production value and social value to generate an efficient frontier of product/market fit. The Y-axis represents the level of personal connection the viewer has with the content (social value), while the X-axis represents the quality of the content relative to the highest quality in the genre (production value). By analyzing different mobile video apps along this curve, we can understand how people enjoy content differently based on who is creating and sharing it.

Snapchat:
Snapchat, with its low production value and high social value, is positioned at one end of the curve. The platform offers AR lenses that allow anyone to create fun content, fostering a strong connection between the creator and the viewer.

Instagram:
Instagram has strategically increased its entertainment value by lowering the production bar through features like IG Stories and Reels. These features allow users to create and consume lower production value content more frequently, leading to a higher likelihood of social connection.

TikTok:
TikTok takes a step further down the Entertainment Curve by prioritizing topical and socially connected content over high production value. Its design breaks down the wall between the audience and the creator, making snackable media inherently social.

YouTube:
YouTube, similar to TikTok, organizes content based on topical relevance. However, unlike TikTok, YouTube does not impose the same constraints on content creation. This results in a wide range of production values, catering to different viewer preferences.

Netflix:
On the other end of the spectrum, Netflix focuses on high production value content, making it accessible only to elite Hollywood creators. While Netflix offers a vast library, its content distribution is limited compared to platforms like YouTube.

The Role of Content Curation:
To truly curate content, one must move beyond just classifying objects under a theme. Curating involves synthesis and evaluation, as well as a deeper understanding of the collected items. The goal of curating is to build knowledge and understanding, benefiting both the collector and potential learners. By organizing, annotating, and publishing curated resources, the collector adds value to the collection and invites others to participate in the learning process.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the social aspect: When creating mobile video content, prioritize creating a social connection with your audience. Encourage engagement, conversation, and sharing to foster a sense of community.

2. Balance production and social value: Find the right balance between production value and social value based on your target audience and content genre. Remember that shareability and personal relevance are key drivers of entertainment value.

3. Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in content creation and distribution. Experiment with new formats, engage with your audience, and iterate based on their feedback to stay ahead of the curve.

Conclusion:
Understanding the Entertainment Value Curve and the power of content curation can provide insights into creating successful mobile video apps and engaging content. By focusing on both production value and social value, creators can build strong connections with their audience and foster a thriving community. Embracing curation as a means to share knowledge and promote social learning can lead to a more enriched and engaging digital landscape. So, curate wisely and let the power of entertainment and social connection unfold.