New Trends in Online Video Sharing

Andrea Wood | January 24, 2006, 12:23 PM

Recently, I noticed a switch from WMP video clips to YouTube video clips on a number of websites. I really appreciate the ability to view video on any machine without needing to download new applications. But what else prompted the change? I suspected it had something to do with making content available for consumption on portable video players, like the video iPod. I toured around last night and noted the features available on some to sites, including CastPost, ClipShack, Revver, Snapfish and Vimeo. Many sites promote themselves as a source of content for the iPod, most often offering content for free. Some sites allow for video to be uploaded directly from a camera phone, others requires direct links to a computer. The majority of sites are free to use, but some charge a fee. Snapfish, for instance, allows users to password protect their video so only authorized users can gain access. Some of the free sites also make this promise. However, I feel the reputation of Snapfish and the HP brand will promote the service amongst the privacy aware. It will be interesting to watch the video posting/sharing space and see what kind of investment will take place. Many blogs I’ve read are already claiming their favourite video site will become the Flickr of the online video world.