Netflix Is Bringing Its TikTok-Like Comedy Feed to TVs

Christian Hetrick

Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.

Netflix Is Bringing Its TikTok-Like Comedy Feed to TVs

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Netflix is testing its TikTok-like feed of comedy clips on TVs, bringing the short-form videos to bigger screens.


The streaming giant, which has a huge footprint in Los Angeles, is rolling out its Fast Laughs feature on its TV app to users in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, according to The Verge. Fast Laughs, which lets viewers scroll through funny clips from Netflix’s extensive comedy catalog, was launched last March exclusively on the Netflix mobile app.

Netflix has pitched the feature as a way for users to discover new movies, shows and stand-up comedy specials. Instead of using an algorithm to show personalized recommendations, the Fast Laughs feed is curated by Netflix staffers. Conscious of the R-rated nature of much of the content, adult profiles can access the feature.

Unsurprisingly, the feed closely resembles TikTok’s enormously popular platform: Fast Laughs’ videos are presented vertically, while users have the ability to share clips directly through social media and messaging apps. Culver City-based TikTok’s rapid rise has influenced copycats both big and small; social media giants such as Snap and Meta have also launched their own short-form video features, while smaller L.A.-area content startups have released similar apps, as well.

Fast Laughs’ move to TV reflects the emergence of connected TVs, or “smart” TVs, which have become lucrative advertising platforms for streaming services. TikTok has also ventured into larger screens, launching its own smart TV app in November.

A Netflix spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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LA Tech ‘Moves’: Mapp Gains New CPO and CTO, Prodoscore Taps Boeing Exec

Decerry Donato

Decerry Donato is a reporter at dot.LA. Prior to that, she was an editorial fellow at the company. Decerry received her bachelor's degree in literary journalism from the University of California, Irvine. She continues to write stories to inform the community about issues or events that take place in the L.A. area. On the weekends, she can be found hiking in the Angeles National forest or sifting through racks at your local thrift store.

LA Tech ‘Moves’: Mapp Gains New CPO and CTO, Prodoscore Taps Boeing Exec
LA Tech ‘Moves’:

“Moves,” our roundup of job changes in L.A. tech, is presented by Interchange.LA, dot.LA's recruiting and career platform connecting Southern California's most exciting companies with top tech talent. Create a free Interchange.LA profile here—and if you're looking for ways to supercharge your recruiting efforts, find out more about Interchange.LA's white-glove recruiting service by emailing Sharmineh O’Farrill Lewis (sharmineh@dot.la). Please send job changes and personnel moves to moves@dot.la.

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Decerry Donato

Decerry Donato is a reporter at dot.LA. Prior to that, she was an editorial fellow at the company. Decerry received her bachelor's degree in literary journalism from the University of California, Irvine. She continues to write stories to inform the community about issues or events that take place in the L.A. area. On the weekends, she can be found hiking in the Angeles National forest or sifting through racks at your local thrift store.

Raises
Image by Joshua Letona

A local space robotics startup raised fresh funding to expand the flight model manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and increase employment, while a remote litigation platform raised more funding to continue growing its footprint in new markets across the country, develop service channels for its clients and continue expanding its tech team.

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Samson Amore

Samson Amore is a reporter for dot.LA. He holds a degree in journalism from Emerson College. Send tips or pitches to samsonamore@dot.la and find him on Twitter @Samsonamore.

Gitai Secures $30 Million in Funding to Continue Space Robotics Developments
\u200bPhoto: Gitai

Space robotics company Gitai raised a $30 million Series B extension this week, bringing the total value of the round to roughly $47 million.

The funding will be used to further develop Gitai’s suite of space robots as well as build out its manufacturing footprint in Torrance. Previously Gitai announced it raised a $17.1 million Series B in March 2021; this additional raise is still part of that round.

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