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Watching for the Next YouTube

The End of Media as We Know It The End of Media as We Know It

Will Ferrell's website Funny or Die aims to rewrite the rules of making money in showbiz—and avoid the fate of so many previous attempts at online-content distribution. Read More
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JOOST

Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis produced file-sharing Kazaa and internet-calling software Skype, and then, in 2006, they started work on a peer-to-peer video-sharing network, inspired by those earlier projects.

What It Carries: Officially licensed shows from CBS, National Geographic, and Viacom, as well as good but canceled programs from various company vaults. Plus, better-looking video than YouTube.

Major Success Factors: More than one million beta testers have been using the program. A limited partnership with Fox Broadcasting—likely dependent on Fox’s progress with Hulu—is rumored to be in the works.

VUME

Kevin Flynn created the “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” video, now a YouTube staple, but never made any money from it. Last year he launched VuMe, which pays directors based on the number of views their work gets.

What It Carries: Everything from cute animal videos and karaoke hijinks to serious political commentary and short indie films. In other words, what you’d find on YouTube.

Major Success Factors: It is the first video site to use this business model. Barely a year old, it’s unclear if VuMe can sustain paying $3 for every 1,000 hits.

EMPIVOT

Nonprofit veteran Thom Wallace and P.R. expert Chace Warmington decided to create an environmentally-focused video website. The beta version launched in August. As of December, the most viewed video was watched 2,500 times.

What It Carries: Videos on going green and footage of the latest oil spill, all provided by users; no network affiliations.

Major Success Factor: Many of emPivot’s videos can be found on any major cable-news website—if not on YouTube—but never has green-related footage been all in one place.

CHANNEL 101

Los Angeles natives Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab started Channel 101 as a monthly festival where independent shorts would be judged by the audience. The 4-year-old website is an online extension.

What It Carries: Filmmakers upload brief, self-funded videos, including some featuring popular comedians like Drew Carey and Jack Black. Based on audience reception for a piece, directors are asked to film another short.

Major Success Factor: Many of the videos are made by entertainment professionals. The website is supported by its real-world counterpart.


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Health Care

Bad to the Bone No More

Companies such as General Mills say they're stepping up efforts to change employees' bad behavior and promote healthier lifestyles. Read More