The share of 13- to 15-year-olds using TikTok and Snapchat, among the most popular social media apps among Australian teenagers – declined between December, when the ban took effect, and February. However, more than 20% still used the apps, according to a report by parental control software maker Qustodio, which was provided to Reuters.

The data is among the first to indicate the impact on young people’s online behavior since Australia introduced the ban, which is being considered or replicated by governments around the world. The Australian government and at least two university studies are tracking the ban’s effects, but no data has yet been published.

Under the ban, platforms including Meta’s Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, Google’s YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat must block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (USD 35 million).

Here in the Nordics, restrictions are also being introduced. Denmark announced in November that it would ban social media for children under 15, while allowing parents to grant access to certain platforms for children as young as 13.

In Norway, the government has proposed raising the age at which children can consent to the terms required to use social media from 13 to 15. However, parents would still be permitted to provide consent on their behalf if they are below that age. The government has also begun work on legislation to establish an absolute minimum age of 15 for social media use.

Last fall, the Swedish government appointed an inquiry into age limits for social media. An interim report will be submitted to the Government Offices in June, and a final report is due in November this year.

Finland may also introduce a ban on social media for children. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in January that he believes social media should be banned for everyone under the age of 15, and the Strategy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office is currently investigating the issue.

Mediavision’s Nordic TV & Streaming analysis shows that 15–24-year-olds in the Nordics spend an average of one hour per day viewing video on social platforms. A reasonable assumption is that consumption among 12–15-year-olds is similar, or possibly higher.

Last week, Audible CEO Bob Carrigan announced plans to expand the service to 11 new international markets, including Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, among others.

The move will allow listeners in these countries to access Audible through their local Amazon sites, with audiobooks available in their local languages and the ability to pay in local currencies. According to Publishing Perspectives, these markets were identified as having strong growth potential based on factors such as the current book market landscape and early indications from local Amazon book sales.

As for Sweden, one of the most well-established audiobook markets in the world and home to strong competitors such as BookBeat, Nextory, Storytel, and now also Spotify – the expansion appears to be more of a competitive move.

“In established markets, the audiobook format is the fastest-growing book format, but there are many countries around the world where there’s a dearth of audiobooks. There is still significant global growth potential,” said Carrigan.

Audible has increased its global user base by nearly 800% from 2015 to 2025, according to Carrigan. With the new expansion, the company aims to double that number within three years – driven largely by growth outside the US.

No launch date for Sweden has yet been confirmed but is expected to take place within the coming year.

The feed, branded Verts, appears as a new icon in the mobile navigation bar and opens a swipeable feed of scenes and moments from films and series on the service. Users can add titles to their watchlist or start watching directly from the feed. Disney said the product is designed to help subscribers discover programming from its catalogue in a faster, more mobile-first format.

According to Disney, the initial rollout has started in the US on mobile devices, with international launches to follow. The company said internal testing showed that vertical video increased mobile engagement and added that it is now exploring ways to expand the format beyond content discovery into additional storytelling formats and new content types.

This shift towards vertical video has raised questions about how independent filmmakers can capitalize on the trend. One platform aiming to address this is Vurt – a mobile-first streaming service built specifically for independent creators to distribute micro-series and feature films in a vertical format.

Vurt announced its launch on Tuesday, with more than 100 episodes of original micro-series, full-length films, and TV shows spanning various genres currently available on the platform, including titles featuring well-known actors such as Kevin Hart and Vivica A. Fox. The company says a new original title is released on the platform each week.

The platform also takes a different approach to content distribution. Unlike traditional streaming services, which often involve lengthy processes through aggregators or major distributors, Vurt allows creators to submit content directly. Once approved, filmmakers can upload their projects and make them available to audiences within 48 to 72 hours.

For creators looking to monetize their work, Vurt operates on an AVOD model, enabling revenue generation through advertising on their titles. In addition, Vurt offers non-exclusive licensing agreements with a 50/50 revenue split, providing filmmakers with an opportunity to earn from their creations.

Vurt is available for free on the App Store and Google Play. A web version is also available, offering a more traditional streaming interface while remaining dedicated exclusively to vertical content.

US Platforms Command 75% of Europe’s Streaming Market – Señal News

Amerikanska streamingjättar dominerar Europas tittande – lokala aktörer tappar mark – Dagens Media

Paramounts köp av Warner – så påverkas svenska konsumenter – Dagens Nyheter

Spotify har føjet en million abonnenter til det svenske lydbogsmarked – Mediawatch

Swedish Video Spending Hits Record High as Streaming Drives Market Reshaping – Señal News

Netflix–Warner Bros deal could cement Nordic streaming dominance – Broadband TV News

Spotifys nya drag: ”Tror på något annat” –SvD

Nya poddtrenden: Går över till video – ”Roligare” – Expressen

Traditional TV viewing in Sweden falls to less than a third of overall watch time – C21 Media