YouTube Brings Videos to Cell Phones
The Web's largest purveyor of user-generated content has signed a deal with Verizon Wireless. The deal will bring YouTube videos to VCAST subscribers in early December.
YouTube says it would provide the most popular videos exclusively to Verizon Wireless for a limited time. After that, it appears as if the site has plans to market the offering to other wireless carriers with capable handsets.
Editors with YouTube would select videos that would be made available on the service. However, Verizon would have the right to deny access to videos that it feels does not meet its guidelines of good taste.
The deal mark's YouTube's first in the mobile industry. "We are excited to launch our new mobile service and to partner with Verizon Wireless to bring YouTube videos to a new audience," CTO Steve Chen said. The company said it plans to unveil new partnerships and mobile services in 2007.
Not only would users be able to view videos from others, but they would also be able to record their own videos on their phones and upload them to YouTube to share. Handsets compatible with the service include the recently-announced LG Chocolate and MOTOKRZR K1m.
Verizon VCAST carries a $3 daily or $15 monthly charge that includes unlimited basic video content. However, games and premium video carry an additional fee. YouTube would be available under the service's basic offering, Verizon said.