Socialcasting

[http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9774717-12.html?tag=blog.1 Socialcasting] is a movement in online video that combines traditional media content, social networking, and interactive community to create a unique experience for viewers on the Web. Some have called socialcasting where Web 2.0 meets TV 2.0, offering new ways for video content to be experienced and shared by viewers in an online community.

Features of a Socialcasting Site

There are many different platforms for socialcasting; most offer a variety of professionally generated content (i.e. live programming, television shows, movies, etc.) as well as some high production quality, user generated content. Socialcasting platforms allow community members to view video (live or recorded) as a group and collaborate either during or as a part of the viewing experience in real time, usually through some form of voice, video or text chat. Many socialcasting sites offer community members forums such as chat rooms, blogs, video screening rooms and other social networking channels to meet new friends, share ideas and discuss the video content being shown.

Examples

Examples of socialcasting platforms include [http://www.paltalk.com Paltalk] , which offers live shows such as LateNet with Ray Ellin, and Joost, which partnered with Meebo in order to add more interactive chat to its plaftorm. Some social networking and online video sharing sites such as MySpace also offer socialcasting features.

Roots

Socialcasting has developed out of several technology trends including instant messaging, videoconferencing, social networking, video sharing and blogging.

[http://www.videonuze.com/blogs/details.php?id=235 Online Video Analyst Will Richmond] likened socialcasting to a virtual bar- In much the same way people congregate at a sports bar to watch a game, meet friends and “participate” together in the viewing of a sporting event, socialcasting platforms enable the same participatory viewing experience of online video content, whether that is a live event, movie screening or serialized program.

References:

[http://mediabiz.blogs.cnnmoney.cnn.com/2007/07/16/instant-messaging-on-steroids Paul LaMonica, CNN Money]

[http://www.videonuze.com/blogs/details.php?id=235 Will Richmond, Videonuze]

[http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9774717-12.html?tag=blog.1 Jessica Dolcourt, CNET]