Buzzfeed has cemented its position as one of the strongest digital contenders in terms of viral video, but News Corp’s plans may topple that. It has used its digital expertise to launch a direct competitor to Buzzfeed, a viral video site called Internet Action Force.
At the company’s Newfront event held last Friday in New York, CEO Robert Thompson unveiled the site via a six-minute video presentation. Thompson told the crowd: “Video and digital are now integral to achieving that mission, whether it is across the globe or around the corner, our original video tells stories that matter.”
Thompson also explained what viewers can expect from the site, describing it as: “A video website with video featuring original topical shorts about pop culture, nerd news, and whatever’s trending on social media.”
The site’s media kit also reveals ambitious plans, stating that content will provide “fun, buzzworthy videos, many licensed exclusively”. Internet Action Force also seeks to “engage users, evoke position emotions and embrace digital mobile culture”.
