Review of YouTube, Internet Television and Video Distribution Site

What is YouTube?




YouTube is the most popular internet television or video distribution site on the Internet and currently ranks number 16 on Alexa for most visited websites.  YouTube offers anyone with an internet connection the ability to upload video clips and share them with friends, family, and the world, all for free. Users are invited to leave comments, pick favorites, send message to each other and watch videos sorted into subjects or channels.  Videos are served with Adobe Flash are viewable on almost any modern computer.

For Content Producers




Pros.




Fast video approval time, they basically approve anything, even copyrighted material (copyrighted material may eventually get pulled or deleted if they catch you).  YouTube receives lots of visitors so your videos have the potential to get viewed a TON of times, especially if your video makes it on one of the top viewed, or most discussed video lists for the week, month, or for all time.  Each content producer gets their own profile page and unique channel where users can subscribe to your content and be alerted whenever you upload a new video.

Cons.




Limited file size of 100 Megs and a limited video length of 10 minutes.  For longer lengths you have to apply for a director’s account and wait for approval. You video is served in Adobe Flash, so the resolution is downgraded.  Tons of garbage content so your video may get “lost” in a sea of people lip singing and boot shake videos.  Content creators receive no compensation and users can’t download your video to their computer.

For Content Consumers




Pros.