ContentSutra has just reported that YouTube is planning to launch an India site on the 7th of May. Although, the news does not seem to be formally confirmed, there are strong chances that it might be true. Youtube had bought out (through dispute resolution) youtube.in domain from one Mr. Rohit Kohli who had registered the domain.
Currently, youtube.in has a blank page, but what makes me believe this news is that even a blank page is showing youtube favicon.
Last year, youtube launched 9 country specific sites – Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Ireland and they currently have around 18 country specific sites.
I am sure India will be added to the list shortly.
So here are couple of differentiations you expect from Youtube India:
- Youtube India will be a local language site with support of 5 or 6 major Indian languages. Remember localization is a big market. There are still millions of users who are not very comfortable with English.
- It goes without saying that Indian Youtube site will have India centric content, however this content will come from local partnerships with various production houses and media companies.
With India centric Youtube coming in, I am sure tough days are ahead for Indian video sites like Meravideo.com, aapkavideo.com, videodubba.com dekhona.com etc. etc.
One question though, how the hell are people going to watch videos when broadband numbers are just not taking off ?
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in.youtube.com youtube.in youtube.co.in webpage appeared early morning on 07 May 2008. I was delited to find only indian videos listed as Feature Videos. Swati Kothari, Gautam, Shailesh, Sakina – all together organised a grand show at India Habitat Center. Media queries were also answered comprehensively by Shailesh-Sakina duo. What impressed me is the young age. All those on huge Google/YouTube posts can be called young guys and gals with no offence. Manager – International : I thought she is a college student.
Congratulations to YouTube managent.
All the indian porn websites are going to close down. YouTube Rocks!!