YouTube Could Become the Best Video Streaming Option (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | Television and movie streaming is a popular feature of many tablet computers and smartphones. While streaming movies and watching television over the Internet has proven to be a popular pastime, the particular app or platform used to achieve that varies between a certain number of providers, and many devices are even brand specific most of the time. Apple users like iTunes, and Kindle Fire users like Amazon Video on Demand. However, YouTube is increasingly looking like it should become the video streaming first choice.

YouTube recently signed a deal with Disney allowing movie rentals for many Disney movies, and that particular catalog is going to grow. In addition, YouTube recently announced plans to offer up 100 original channels with made for YouTube content. That combination of unique programming, user generated content, and movie rental ability looks like a winner in the streaming content department.

While Netflix was once a mighty company, it might be a victim of success. As Netflix grew in popularity, studios and networks realized how valuable their content was on the Internet. As licensing fees grew, Netflix began to experience troubles, and eventually ended up with a huge price hike and lost subscribers. Now Netflix is inking new deals left and right, but sooner or later cash is going to be a problem. Netflix also is moving to original programming by reviving "Arrested Development," which is a great idea, but the company does not have the cash in reserve that a cable channel, like Starz or HBO, can throw at a series.

YouTube has some serious cash because it is backed by Internet search giant Google, and tossing $100 million into 100 unique channels is a great way to start expanding the YouTube library. Unlike iTunes and Amazon VOD, YouTube has a pretty intense following on the Internet, and they have an app on just about as many devices as Netflix, which makes them easy to access.

Sure, Google and YouTube seemed late to the dance by offering movie rentals alongside dancing kittens, but it might turn out to be the best thing going as far as streaming movies goes.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/personaltech/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20111128/en_ac/10537411_youtube_could_become_the_best_video_streaming_option

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