In some embodiments, a method receives a first set of video files at a node that delivers video files to client devices and receives a second set of video files. The second set of video files are predicted to be delivered by the node to a client device during a time period. The node receives a request for a video file from a client device and determines whether the video file is stored in the first set of video files and the second set of video files. When the video file is stored at the node, the node sends the video file from the first set of video files and the second set of video files. When the video file is not stored in the first set of video files and the second set of video files, the node sends a request for the video file to another node.

Methods, systems, and media for indicating viewership of a video are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: identifying a video; identifying a first group of users; determining an affinity score for each user with the identified video; receiving a request to present a page that includes a representation of the video; identifying a second group of users connected to the first user associated with the user device; determining a viewership status of each user in the second group of users corresponding to the video; identifying a subset of users in the second group of users based at least in part on the viewership status; and causing groups of indicators to be presented on the user device, wherein each indicator in the groups of indicators represents the viewership status of the user, and wherein the indicators are presented on the requested page in connection with the representation of the video.

Systems and methods are described to monitor consumption of a content item at a user device. Based on the monitored consumption, a token is generated, where the token represents an attribute of the content item and demographic data of a user associated with the user device. Access to the token is granted to a first content provider and denied to a second content provider based on received user input, and the token is converted into a first format. Converted token data associated with the first format is stored in a distributed ledger accessible to the first content provider and the second content provider, where the first content provider is capable of recovering the token from the converted token data, whereas the second content provider is not capable of such recovering. A content recommendation is received from the first content provider, based on the token recovered by the first content provider.

Systems and techniques are provided for automation and recommendation based on device control protocols. HDMI-CEC device control data may be received from a connected electronic device that may be connected to an electronic display device. The HDMI-CEC device control data may be based on a HDMI-CEC device control signal from the electronic display device. The system may generate a control signal for a device. The control signal may be sent to the device for implementation.

There is described an apparatus for providing a recommendation to a first user, wherein the apparatus comprises: a processor arranged to: determine, at a first time, a first set of vectors for a plurality of users, including a vector associated with the first user; determine a set of clusters based on the first set of vectors; detect, at a second time, an event associated with the first user; determine an updated vector for the first user in dependence on the event; place the first user into a cluster of the set of clusters based on the updated vector; and determine a recommended item of content for the first user in dependence on the cluster; and a user interface and/or communication interface arranged to: output the recommendation and/or the recommended item to the first user.

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for recommending content based on content being engaged with by a user's social media contacts. For example, embodiments described herein advantageously provide a user with content recommendations that are based on what other people associated with the user (e.g., via a social media service) are consuming. For instance, content being engaged with by a user's social media contacts are monitored via multimedia devices utilized by the user and his contacts and/or are inferred via social media posts of the user's contacts. Once the content is determined, the user is provided with recommendations for that contact. The recommendations may be provided to the user while the user is watching content and/or browsing for content. The recommendations may also be provided based on periodicity of the media content.

Embodiments described herein provide for extending media playback. In an example implementation, during playback of one or more first media items populated in a queue, a control system extends playback time of the queue. Extending playback time of the queue may involve determining when the one or more first media items will be finished playing; and before the first media items are finished playing, determining one or more second media items that correspond in substantial likeness to the one or more first media items and sending an instruction that causes the first playback device to insert the determined one or more second media items into the queue such that play time of the queue is extended.

Methods, systems, and media for presenting notifications indicating recommended content are provided. A notification of recommended content can be provided. An indication that a user device has initiated a casting session with a display device can be received. A request for recommended content to be presented on the display device can be received. A media content item can be identified based on at least one media content item that has been previously selected by a user account associated with the user device. A notification can be generated that includes an indication of the identified media content item and a selectable input that, when selected, causes the identified media content item to begin being presented on the display device.

Systems and methods are presented to facilitate caching of programming from broadcast and/or content streaming services to a user device for local playback. In addition, metadata can be provided to guide the user in selecting, caching, or playing the cachable content. In some exemplary embodiments, a receiver or other user device can automatically select the programming to be cached based on a user's historical topic interest and listening history. In some exemplary embodiments, the metadata can also include DRM information that can limit the ability of a user to playback the content, so as to comply, if necessary, with operative legal requirements related to usage of the content.

In some embodiments, an electronic device presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing application. In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates browsing of media from different media applications based on category of media (e.g., movies, television shows, etc.). In some embodiments, an electronic device facilitates setup of a unified media browsing application that presents media items from different media applications in a unified media browsing user interface. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays multiple episodes of a collection of episodic content (e.g., a television series) in a user interface for the collection of episodic content. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays representations of, and provides access to, live-event media items accessible on the electronic device.