The X Factor
| The X Factor | |
|---|---|
| Created by | |
| Original work | The X Factor (British TV series) |
| Owners | Fremantle Syco Entertainment |
| Years | 2004–present |
| Films and television | |
| Television series | The X Factor (independent international versions, see below) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Genre | Music competition |
| First aired | 4 September 2004 |
| Distributor | Fremantle |
The X Factor is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for Pop Idol (2001–2003), and has been adapted in various countries. The "X Factor" of the title refers to the undefinable "something" that makes for star quality.
Similar to Got Talent, the franchise maintains a YouTube channel, called X Factor Global. The channel uploads clips of X Factor shows from around the world. The channel currently has over 3 million subscribers. Additionally, many individual X Factor shows have their own YouTube channels such as X Factor Latvia.