Video Sharing Online

Just as Flickr encouraged the sharing of still photos over the Web, new services are helping users share video clips online. The rise of digital video cameras (disposable video cameras are available at CVS drug stores), video-capable cell phones and the growing prevalence of broadband Internet access have combined to fuel the growth of sites such as YouTube, Vimeo and SnapFish.

Many users leverage these services to share videos with family and friends, creating the modern-day equivalent of home-movie night. Others simply upload funny or quirky clips for anyone to see. Some see great potential in such services (imagine the sales and advertising value in an especially popular clip!), as well as controversy (if a clip contains music, should the artist get a royalty?). And, of course, there will be the inevitable concerns about blackmail and pornography.

Source: AP (via Excite)