The Hindu : Front Page : YouTube now has an Indian incarnation

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Thursday, May 08, 2008
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YouTube now has an Indian incarnation

Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI: Popular online video site YouTube on Wednesday launched its Indian edition, at www.youtube.co.in, that features a localised homepage and search functions, allowing users to create and share videos, discover the most popular and relevant videos in India, and connect with other Indian and global users.

“We are very excited to bring a local version of YouTube to India considering the passion of users here for music and entertainment,” said YouTube’s chief technology officer and co-founder Steve Chen. “YouTube India will not only offer Indian users more relevant content but also provide a platform to share unique and diverse culture and lifestyle with the largest online video community in the world.”

YouTube’s international manager Sakina Arsiwala said YouTube India would benefit from an entirely local experience highlighting and featuring the content and functionality most desired by the Indian users.

Create, connect, talk

“YouTube allows anyone with a simple web camera or even a cell phone to create content, connect, and converse with each other through the medium of video. It provides a powerful way for people to express themselves. From a home video to a magic show to classroom lectures or working professionals connecting with their families in another city, YouTube is about communication and not just entertainment,” she added.

A subsidiary of Google, YouTube in India has signed partnerships with various firms including Eros Entertainment, Rajshri Films, IIFA, the Ministry of Tourism, IIT Delhi, NDTV, UTV, Zoom TV, India TV and Krishcricket. It also aims to facilitate connections among large non-resident Indian community.

Internationally, it has partnerships with content providers like CBS, BBC, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, NBA and The Sundance Channel.

YouTube was created in 2005 to enable the Internet’s lay users to share videos, movie clips and song videos. It was acquired by Google in November 2006.

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