With YouTube now a household name, the use of video has become the fastest growing trend on the web.
The first wave on online video consisted mainly of clips of popular TV shows, past and present. However, we are now witnessing a new wave of video websites, populated by videos created by users. See for example videojug.com or expertvillage.com.
The technologies used to create webcast-quality (and, for that matter, broadcast quality) are increasingly accessible and affordable. An average Dell PC is capable of running video editing software such as Avid or Final Cut Pro, tools that were once the preserve of professionals.
Indeed, the line between professional and amateur video will blur as "ordinary" users become the main producers of video content on the web. While camcorders also become as advanced and affordable as the cameras used by TV companies, they may not even be necessary: users can create programmes by editing together clips created by other users, and overlaying a new audio track.
Thus, I expect to see more sites like the Internet Archive's Open Source Video, which will offer a panoply of video clips for use by others.
One final prediction: most of the videos produced by web enthusiasts will be average at best. But a small proportion will be excellent -- and will launch the careers of tomorrow's leading directors, producers, actors and editors.
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