Video mashups combine video content with other items on the Internet. Mashups are web applications that bring together content or data from two or more sources in a single interface. Video mashups information indicates that video mashups are one of the most popular form of mashups, and video content, in general, is one of the most sought-after and searched-for types of web content.

Video mashups use application programming interfaces (APIs) to bring together content from different sources. Types of content that have the largest number of APIs include:

1. Photo and video mashps;

2. Community, messaging and telephony providers;

3. Enterprise and financial content;

4. Shopping websites;

5. And reference tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use video mashups to share videos and allow video sharing on your site

Using video mashups allows you put video on your site without footing the bill for the bandwidth that goes along with large video files. Let your customers post videos on your site using your products. Create a community and let other visitors rate or comment on the submitted videos.

I recommend: Obtain specialized video-sharing features including privacy settings with Vimeo. Allow your visitors to interact socially with regard to videos on your website with Joost. Host and share videos on your site with Veoh Networks. Consult a video mashups list at ProgrammableWeb.com to get ideas on how to use video mashups on your own website.

Take advantage of video search options with a video mashups provider

Find video mashups providers that let you place a video search field on your site. Your visitors can search for videos on topics related to your business. Provide a constantly changing selection of new videos for your website visitors to watch.

I recommend: Access a database of millions of videos on the web with Truveo. Offer Blinkx search functions to your visitors available at the Blinkx website, where you can find speech-to-text and visual analysis options. Add video search options to your site with Revver.

Drive traffic to your site by using video mashups to create video applications and widgets

Create a video app for a mobile device, so your customers can watch your videos on their phone or iPod. Create widgets that let your customers share photo and video slideshows on your site.

I recommend: Create special video applications for use on your website using the video formats at Hey!Watch. Build video widgets and host other video functionality using Phanfare.

Add communication and community functions to your website with video mashups

Add a video player to your website. Set up video conferencing with your clients or co-workers.

I recommend: Integrate video communication functions into your website with Skype. Create online communities with the communication tools available from Userplane.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use video mashups to drive traffic to your site by running a contest in which visitors submit their own videos. You can let them upload directly or screen their submissions before you post the videos online.