After attending Interactive Day San Diego a coupe weeks ago I have been much more sensitive to the emerging trends in user generated video.

While having sushi the other night I became enthralled watching the light change under the bar and how it looked through the Sake glass. So, I pulled out my iPhone and shot 2 minutes of video.   I downloaded the video to my computer and spent a few minutes in iMovie, uploaded it to YouTube and viola… the future has arrived. (YouTube even notified me that the music I used may be an infringement on copyrights.)

I know the video is a little “Blair Witch” but, what amazes me is that just a few short years ago the complexity and expense of video creation and distribution would have made this simple exercise take hours and require the use of very expensive specialized equipment. Now anyone with a cell phone and a computer can be a content creator and publisher.

Moreover, there are online video platforms  that allow any company to bring white label video editing and distribution to their websites. With these tools site are creating remix contests, creating training videos and much more.  Here are a couple key players to watch:

• Kaltura: Open Source Video Platform
  • Great for corporate content
  • Moderation tools
  • SaaS Deployment
• Vmix – The Leading Online Video Platform & Online Video Publishing
  • Robust API
  • SaaS Deployment
  • iPhone and iPad support

Next time you are near downtown San Diego you should have a great meal at Azuki Sushi in Bankers Hill. Sit at the bar and enjoy the show.