Video on Flickr

A New York Times article reminded me that Flickr had added video support. Here's the deal, according to Flickr:

What is video on Flickr?
Video on Flickr is going to be defined by our incredible, diverse, far-flung and fabulously talented members. Some answers that we’ve come up with:

  1. A long photo
  2. Personal
  3. Simple – not overproduced or slick
  4. Possibly the best answer so far: The Great Unknown

Some ground rules to get started:

  1. Only “safe” and “moderate” video content is permitted.
  2. Only upload videos you have created yourself.

Why is there a time limit of 90 seconds?
Video on Flickr grew out of the idea of “long photos” and as such, we’ve implemented what might seem like an arbitrary limit of playing back the first 90 seconds of a video. 90 seconds?

We’re not trying to limit your artistic freedom, we’re trying something new. Everyone has endured that wedding video, where even the bride will fast-forward to the “good bit.” In fact, even Tara at FlickrHQ hasn’t made it past the first 90 seconds of her own wedding video.

Is video available to everyone?
Only pro members can upload video content, but anyone can view it, provided they have permission.

If you have a free account and tons of video to share, you might like to upgrade to pro.

So... This is interesting. In my various examinations of digital photography services lately, and in revising "Windows Vista Secrets" over the past month, I too, have come to the conclusion that most "home video" shot today and going forward won't involve film or video cameras but will instead happen on cell phones and digital cameras and thus be short in nature. In other words, I think their focus here is smart, because it will keep out the long-form YouTube-type baloney and ensure that Flickr remains a service for user-created digital memories.

Anyway, I'm in Providence, Rhode Island this morning with a laptop so I don't have access to my own videos, but I'll upload a few later today when I get home.

Discuss this Article 2

subzerohitman721
on Apr 10, 2008
Paul, I have to disagree with you. The whole 90 seconds bit I think is to please news, comedy shows, and other media to get small snipets. Time limits should not be allowed if they wanna go mano y mano with YouTube. I think this will flop like the other YouTube wannabe's.
sttevo
on Apr 10, 2008
@subzerohitman721: I can't see where they have said they want to complete with youtube? They are talking about "long photos" and "trying something new". Looks like a good idea as I have heaps of 30 second clips I've shot with my mobile that this would be perfect for.

Please or Register to post comments.

IT/Dev Connections

Las Vegas
September 30th - October 4th

Paul ThurottYou'll have the opportunity to experience:
• 120 Technical
Sessions
• Networking with Peers
• Expert Speakers


Come See Paul Thurrott & Mary Jo Foley in Person!

Register Now

Office 365 InfoCenter

Get the latest insight and info from Paul

Read Now!

What I Use