YouTube to allow longer videos for content partners

Jordan Golson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:50:45 -0700

YouTube has long had a 10-minute limit on uploaded videos, mostly to prevent long-form copyrighted content like TV shows and movies from being uploaded. No more, though.

YouTube is raising the limit to 1GB for content partners to upload videos. For example, independent filmmakers will be able to upload their full length movies in almost full standard-definition quality.

Why the change? AlleyInsider pegs the need to monetize as the main reason for the switch. Viewers are more likely to watch an ad when they're watching a longer video, like the ones on Hulu, than the 3-5 minute videos that are typical for YouTube.

it remains to be seen if YouTube can snag quality content and entice people to watch -- and sell advertising against it. If they can, maybe the site that sold for $1.6 billion a few years ago will actually start to make money.

I'm not holding my breath.

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