It seems like everyday something is going “viral.” These videos can range from someone doing a dangerous stunt to kittens and puppies. While some may argue that there is a slight formula to having something go viral (in some instances, the more outrageous or stupid, the more the views) a big chunk of the time it is just by chance that the video is seen. In this over-saturated viral video market, a majority of the videos come from similar sources. YouTube is king in this market followed by sites like Vimeo. There are a few others, but tapping into this market is much harder than creating a video that goes viral. That has not stopped an Austin-based start-up from taking the plunge. The name of the company is Vube (rhymes with Tube but with a ‘V’). The company launched in March of 2013 and has already started to make waves. Back in December, just months out the gate, it was announced on their Facebook (which has over 1 million Likes) and Twitter that they had reached 1 million subscribers. This is feat for a company, especially in the cut-throat field of technology. Still, what separates this company from the others?
When a user first logs on the site, they notice instantly what a majority of videos are: Music. Specifically in the form of cover songs (However instrumental and dance are gaining). There are many, though it is not overwhelming. Each month the site hosts a contest where the Top 50 most “Liked” videos for that month (meaning “Likes” from the month before does not count) win a cash prize. Currently the top prize is $15,000 with the other places going down in increments. Views still matter, but they are more for bragging rights when it comes to the actual contests. This helps weed up some from viewing a video over-and-over again, just to rig the contest in their or an artist’s favor. They also host special contests for covers of popular artist’s new songs (like Enrique Iglesias and T-Pain).
Vube does not have a ton of videos. However, unlike other video sites, Vube screens each video and approves it. So, it would be hard to say how many videos have gone through the process and been rejected. Why do they do this? One of the big reasons is the user must own the video. Copyrighted material. So, the “con” (less videos than other sites) may actually be a “pro” because the viewer knows they are getting original content. There are other categories besides Music. A user can view these categories by clicking the “Browse” button next to the search bar. A small con would be the user may miss this button and therefore miss the other channels. It is not hidden by any means, but the videos that appear on the front page may distract from this. There are many other channels like Movies and Politics. Currently these channels do not have as many videos, but this might change in the future with the right push.
The one thing that is clear is Vube wants its user’s submitted videos to do well. After speaking to them over time, this is very evident. Also, they strive to make sure each video has a chance to do well through initial advertising and other methods. Unlike other videos sites, Vube is not overtaken by corporate branded videos, videos from major celebrities or videos that paid to appear on the front page. While these videos are still great, it has become increasing harder for unknown artists in any field to have their work shown. Vube is giving them this platform. Each video has a chance.
It is a little early to tell how far Vube will go in the viral-video sharing world. While there are still a few things that need to be ironed out, overall the site is awesome.Personally, I do not have any videos on Vube myself, but have watched a fair share. I also know some up-and-coming artists and others who have used the platform and found success. Vube doesn’t by any means guarantee a video will be successful. There are plenty of videos that are on the site and are not. However, the fact that they are willing to give the everyday user a shot/platform to truly succeed is great.
After viewing a few videos again, it will not surprise me if some of the “most viewed” artists and videos on Vube actually make it in the tricky world of entertainment. It seems like a bold statement to say, but this platform is beginning to make waves by bringing the viral video to the “average” person. With Vube it is clear once again, the “average” person is actually pretty talented and it is great that this platform is giving them the exposure they deserve.
To check out Vube, you can visit the link here.
