Flickr Video - Just Another Video Sharing Site?
Flickr yesterday released video compatibility to their hugely popular photo-sharing website. Flickr has caused a lot of controversy in the blogosphere due to video - some think it’s a great idea - some think Flickr was made for photos, and always will be.
Flickr video is different to most other video-sharing websites; it limits you to 90 seconds of video on 150MBs. So obviously Flickr isn’t going after the same type of content found on YouTube - the largest video website in the world, with limits ranging from 10 minutes to unlimited (with a director account). There is also no HD video support in Flickr’s video - in fact most of the video I’ve seen looks worse quality than YouTube.
Flickr has its reasons for restricting you to 90 seconds of video. It’s not looking for music videos, or video shows - Flickr is looking for short, simple videos that will praise your photos. For example, a photoset of a vacation could include some short video clips to give the viewer more explanation.
Right now, Flickr users around the world are playing around with video. I don’t think many people have got the concept yet, and neither have I entirely. But I figure in less than a few weeks people will know exactly what to use Flickr’s new video feature for. Flickr with video is certainly not just another video-sharing site - it’s the same old Flickr community as we knew it; with the addition of short, 90-second video clips to compliment your photos.