Google has finally hoisted the ad flag on YouTube, and there is no turning back. Their move signifies the official beginning of video sites either a) proving their model (via ads, or a paid services), or b) folding. The most amazing thing about video on the web is that it is the most expensive form of content to host and distribute, and-no matter where companies sit in site ranks/traffic-so few have proven their business models. Smell that? It is the burn of VC money...and I can guarantee that there is some enormous pressure on entrepreneurs at this very moment to monetize their sites up to investor expectations, or get off the pot. What does this mean for the real estate industry?
Anyone using video to better market their properties deserves a bow: you have lead the pack to the most consumer-centric presentation tool on the web. Well done! There is a hurdle that everyone needs think about now: advertisements. The free for all is going to slowly come to a halt. We can't say when, but if you are using a service that has not yet proven themselves in some growth-oriented way, chances are they will monetize your content via ads. This means that you are going to have unknown people selling ad spots into your content.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you comfortable with someone unrelated to real estate selling advertisements to be displayed within your videos?
ABCvideoTours.com - Tracy, CA
we were waiting for this to be implemented. our videos will continue to be distributed to google. this will just spell more work for us and more client awareness regarding this issue.
in all fairness to google i personally believe they should indirectly charge us for the immense service they provide.
Aug 22, 2007 02:45 PM
Wellcomemat.com - Boulder, CO
I agree...they provide quite the host of services, but almost all are at a major loss to the company. I'd be the last person to stand in the way of them and monetization.
Aug 23, 2007 07:57 AM
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