Desi cousins of YouTube

At least two video sharing sites (ApnaTube, MeraVideo) are trying to clone the YouTube model in Indian context. I would say good attempt, but they will have to improve a lot in terms of their service if they are to make a mark for themselves.

Challenges for such desi vedio sharing sites are manifold:
  • They will have to think of revenue models other then online advertisement; as of now online advertisement is not that organized in India as in the West.
  • Market their site properly so that their is enough traction. One way is to conduct targeted marketing campaign for the younger generation who is the main target audience for these sites. Like sponsoring college fest, video contests etc.
  • To curve out a niche space for themselves in terms of local content and local language video.
  • To attract enough users to create content (video) for the sites. Average Indians are not in the habit of shooting videos other then marriage or family ceremonies. One way of encouraging good video submission would be to share some revenue with creator of videos who are rated high by visitors.
  • To ensure variety of video content. At present most of the video uploaded in these sites are either soft porn or related to bollywood.
  • Create differentiation for themselves; there is hardly and difference between ApnaTube and MeraVideo in services that they provide.
Recently, it has been widely reported that MeraVideo is close to getting $1.5 million venture capital funding. As of now I don't find anything that would merit such funding.

1 comments:

Roshan said...

Have you heard of a new service that has entered the exciting world of online video sharing? It is AapkaVideo and it is exclusively targeted at Indian users.

AapkaVideo is a totally free online service that allows you to watch and share videos with others. To upload videos, you should register for an account with AapkaVideo. Upload your favourite videos or unleash your creativity by uploading original videos you have shot. Watch videos users have uploaded and share videos with others by creating links and emailing them to others. AapkaVideo account holders can even share multiple videos at a time.

AapkaVideo supports all video file types like .wmv, .mpeg, .mpg, avi etc. You can browse through the categories and watch videos of your choice. You can also upload videos to specific categories also. The most popular videos will be featured on the AapkaVideo home page.

This service does not allow users to upload offensive and obscene content to the site. Accounts of users who upload such videos will be immediately terminated. Users can also report videos that are offensive, obscene and illegal to the AapkaVideo team who will in turn check the video and remove it from the site.