Cost | What to Enjoy | Content & Features | Video | News & Updates | Press Releases | Editor’s Assessment
What to Enjoy:
It probably comes at no surprise that YouTube ranks in at Number 1 on comScore VideoMetrix’s list of top video streaming sites. In the years since it’s founding in 2005–and its acquisition in 2006 by Google–YouTube has come a long way from just focusing on user-generated content (think: Star Wars Kid). Many studios and distribution companies now have their own YouTube channel, offering clips and trailers; it’s the latter that tends to generate the most views.
Content & Features:
YouTube has been branching out, allowing access to Web-enabled TVs, set-top boxes, and portable media devices. YouTube has also been building strong content partners that allow viewers to watch full length movies and television shows. YouTube has partnered with The Sundance Institute to create The YouTube Screening Room, a behind the scenes look at films and a premiere site for independent filmmakers to distribute their film to a wide audience. Here is a list of some of the major content partners:
On-Site content:
CBS: Star Trek, the original series
Lionsgate: Alf
MGM: The Addams Family
News & Updates:
Los Angeles Times (09/03/2009): Studios might use YouTube to sell, rent movies – “Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate are among the Hollywood giants to consider making films available through YouTube as they’re released on DVD.” {Read more}
Video Business (08/19/2009): Warner, Turner to put clips on YouTube – “Warner Bros. and Turner Broadcasting inked a joint deal with YouTube to put movie and TV clips on the world’s most-trafficked video site.” {Read more}
CNET News (08/13/2009): YouTube launches TV-friendly site for consoles – “YouTube launched a version of their site for the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.” {Read more}
Editor’s Assessment:
One of few sites that have changed the world. With over 2 billion users per day, youtube may be one of the greatest websites ever made. Also it’s the best place to watch a cat playing piano and who doesn’t like that???
