The opportunity for video on the web

In order to fully appreciate how exciting today and tomorrow are for our viewers, one needs to look back to the 1980s when we went from four broadcast channels to hundreds of Channels through cable and satellite TV, expanding the choices available and, as a result, viewership. Today, the web may be to cable TV what cable was to broadcast TV — a way to excite and engage viewers even more.

At CES 2012, I talked about how the web is creating exciting opportunities for all of us in online video, and how YouTube is proving that producers, curators, advertisers and viewers can all thrive in this rapidly growing ecosystem. While you’re collectively watching 3 billion hours of video a month already, we’re just scratching the surface of the amazing possibilities for countless new Channels, aiming to map the interests of all people in this world. Look forward to the world where you will have channels for all of your interests, small or big.

I was also joined by a few friends, who are key influencers in the world of online video, to talk about the changing video landscape, including MediaLink CEO Michael Kassan, CSI and BlackBox TV Channel creator Anthony Zuiker, T-Mobile CMO Peter DeLuca, Machinima CEO Allen DeBevoise, GroupM CEO Rob Norman and Lucas Watson, YouTube VP, global video solutions. Here’s the video:



We also shared a sneak peek at some of the new Channels coming to YouTube this year:



It’s a great time for video on the web, and we hope you’re as excited as we are for what’s ahead. Come and play with us.

Robert Kyncl, global head of content, recently watched “Coca-Cola ‘Open Happiness’.”