The web 2.0 landscape just got a little more interesting. In December I was talking to a friend who mentioned a project he was working on. That project turned out to be GodTube, the social media/online video/networking site looking to provide Christians and non-Christians alike with Christ-centered video content and the tools to connect with each other.
When I first went to the site my initial impression wasn’t very good. I knew it was in beta (and still is) but I couldn’t help but think “geez, this seems like just a Christian copy of YouTube.” After a little more time seeing the site develop and learning from my friend about some different avenues they would venture down, I saw the emergence of the areas that will distinguish GodTube from everyone else.
The primary difference between GodTube and any other online video site I’ve seen is the technology to let people connect with each other (for free) via the live video conferencing as well as the implementation of a very cool video email feature. To me, this is where GodTube truly separates itself from the pack (and not just in the “Christian sites” pack but the pack of all online video sites).
Having already played with the video chat feature I can vouch for the fun there. The ministry opportunities are endless too. Got a team going on a mission trip and want to video conference a few families in? Give the GodTube video chat a shot. Or maybe this will be the opportunity for people around the world to connect live for discussions on leadership principles or evangelism strategies. This has all the ingredients needed for a virtual classroom where you could teach or learn about an infinite number of applicable studies.
The video email feature is a great way to send a memorable email that will certainly get anyone’s attention. It provides all the benefits of sending a video to someone via email without sending a massive file to someone’s inbox. The recipient just clicks on a link to see the video.
I have high hopes for GodTube. I know it’s still in development but I think it’s off to a very compelling start with some exciting new technology.
Last week I mentioned TokBox as a new, browser-based video conferencing tool. This week I discovered ooVoo (via JaffeJuice via Mitch Joel’s podcast) and it’s exciting to see a tool launch that can allow live video conferencing with up to six people. I’ve thought for a while that one of the hindrances with other services was the limitation for only two people to conference. ooVoo will require you to download and install their software but this a great next step in online video conferencing. I can certainly see the benefit for friends, family, and business so it’s worth checking out if you use (or have an interest in) online video conferencing…and it’s free too.
