|
|
|
On May 7, 2008, the world's largest online
video community YouTube, LLC (YouTube) announced the launch of
its Indian site (YouTube.co.in).
"We are very excited to bring a local version of YouTube to
India considering the passion of users here for music and
entertainment. For a culture that is steeped both in video and
in storytelling, and where everyone has a voice -- YouTube India
will not only offer Indian users more relevant content but also
provide a
|
platform to share India's unique and diverse culture
and lifestyle with the largest online video community in the world,"1 said
Steve Chen (Chen), chief technology officer (CTO) and co-founder of
YouTube.
The launch of the site did not come as a surprise considering the
growing popularity of online social networking and video sharing sites
in India. Moreover, there had been speculations of an imminent launch of
a localized YouTube site ever since late 2007 when the company had
bought the domain names YouTube.in and YouTube.co.in.
YouTube, a video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share
video clips, is headquartered in San Bruno, California, USA. The company
was founded in early 2005 by three employees of PayPal Inc.2, Chen, Chad
Hurley (who was the CEO as of 2008), and Jawed Karim.
The site was launched in November 2006 with funding from venture capital
firm Sequoia Capital. In October 2006, Google Inc.3 (Google) announced
that it would acquire YouTube for US$1.65 billion in Google stock and
the deal came through the following month. YouTube then began operating
as a subsidiary of Google.
Though the company was yet to become profitable as of ealy 2008,
analysts felt its user-base was growing rapidly. For instance, its
user-base was increasing by around 200,000 every month as of early 2008.4
With the launch of YouTube India, India became the 20th country in which
YouTube had launched a localized site.5 The site contained local features
such as promoted videos, featured videos, and homepage promotions,
localized user interface and help center, user support, and community
features.
While the site had all the YouTube content, it was being customized to
feature top Indian content. The site was initially to be in English, but
was expected to expand in future to include some Indian languages as
well.
Sakina Arsiwala, International Manager, YouTube, said, "YouTube India
would allow users to create and share videos, discover the most popular
and relevant videos in India, and connect with other Indian and global
users. Over time, YouTube India will benefit from an entirely local
experience highlighting and featuring the content and functionality most
desired by the Indian users,"6 She also added that the site was very
user-friendly and users could upload their videos quite easily.
|
1] "YouTube India is Launched," www.techtree.com, May 2008.
2] PayPal, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA, is an e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet.
3] Google Inc., headquartered in Menlo Park, California, USA, is one of the world's leading Internet software companies.
4] "YouTube Launched in India," www.economictimes.indiatimes.com, May 7, 2008.
5] "YouTube Goes Bollywood," www.sfgate.com, May 7, 2008.
6] "Now, Google Launches YouTube India," http://sify.com, May 8, 2008. |
