YouTube is developing a video-focused social network called 'Backstage'
YouTube is looking to compete with the likes of Snapchat and Facebook with the introduction of a video-focused social network dubbed 'Backstage'.
YouTube is apparently launching a social network
The feature is being designed to allow the video giant to move beyond its homegrown YouTubers like PewDiePie, according to a report from Venture Beat.
Google has yet to comment on the claims, but the social network-style platform will apparently let users post text, video and polls to their personal channels for subscribers to see.
Backstage is anticipated to launch "by the end of the year," and will be available on mobile and desktop.
The move could mark a major shift for YouTube, which has arguably lacked focus when it comes to other elements of social besides video, other than an integration with Google's ill-fated Plus network.