Why Mobile Video Should Be Free
An excellent article has been posed on MocoNews.net by James Quintana Pearce which quotes Steve Smith from Mobile Insider, discussing why they think Mobile video content should not be charged for.
The general gist of the argument is that users are not used to paying for video based content. Although strictly not true, in the UK we pay a TV Licencing fee to the BBC to have ad free TV channels, we pay for DVD rentals, and Pay per View TV. However, most TV (and hence video based) content is free, and the user does not have to make a purchase to watch the channel or particular content item.
The article is available here:
http://www.moconews.net/entry/why-mobile-video-should-be-free/
I agree with the point that has been made, however, the approach to providing free content should be met with a choice. Users should be given the option as to getting FREE ad sponsored content, or paying for the item, but getting the original content. This could be taken a step further to then provide a higher quality content item for the paid for market.
An advantage to providing free content, with no DRM restrictions will also encourage viral marketing. Users forwarding the items to their friends and peers, and hence spreading the advertisements.
Like Mobile TV, when it finally gets released, the uptake will dependon the revenue models that will be associated with the channels. Commercials within the TV programs will generally be accepted if there is no charge to receive them.
Tags: MobileVideo, Mobile Content, Ad Sponsored
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