Nathan McAlone

2 days ago | businessinsider.com | Nathan McAlone |Lucia Moses |Henry Blodget

Mini-drama apps made popular in Asia are surging in the US — and Hollywood is taking notice. These apps are best known for their soapy melodramas featuring princes, werewolves, and more, which are presented in bite-sized vertical episodes and meant for mobile phones. China-backed ReelShort is the most prominent purveyor of these, with typical titles like "The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband." Another top player is DramaBox.

3 days ago | businessinsider.com | Nathan McAlone |Lucia Moses |Henry Blodget

2025-06-02T17:53:46Z Share Facebook Email X LinkedIn Copy link lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in. Disney is laying off several hundred employees globally amid declining TV audiences.

3 days ago | businessinsider.com | Nathan McAlone |Dan Whateley |Henry Blodget

The honeymoon period for TikTok Shop is over. For years, TikTok sent organic traffic to videos from US merchants to help jump-start interest in its e-commerce business. But now, product sellers generally have to pay for TikTok ads in order to get significant views on their videos, three company partners and two TikTok staffers said. The drift away from free views began last year, but has really picked up in 2025, these people said.

3 days ago | businessinsider.com | Nathan McAlone |James Faris |Henry Blodget

MrBeast may be getting some financial help, but his 400 million fans shouldn't be surprised or concerned. The YouTube megastar and self-made mogul said Monday on X that he is borrowing money from his mom to help pay for his wedding. Donaldson got engaged to YouTuber Thea Booysen about six months ago, on Christmas Day. While the revelation about MrBeast borrowing money may shock followers of the 27-year-old wunderkind creator, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, there's a simple explanation for it.

6 days ago | businessinsider.com | Nathan McAlone |James Faris |Henry Blodget

Disney has a new idea to keep customers from canceling Disney+: perks. In recent months, the Mouse House has bolstered its streaming business by integrating content from Hulu and ESPN, as well as by forming a bundle with Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's rival streamer. Now, its latest move to keep subscribers around is the introduction of a new program called Disney+ Perks.