YouTube Annotations

In June, YouTube added a new feature for video creators called annotations. This new tool, now in a beta format, allows users to add an interactive form of commentary for uploaded YouTube videos. YouTube has also upgraded their video capacity to 1024 megabytes compared to the previous 100 megabytes.

Annotations were released to YouTube users in June of 2008. This new tool allows a user to outline or highlight an uploaded video. Annotations allow a YouTube user to add background information about their video. Annotation can allow a user to tell you where the video was shot, or what was happening at the time of shooting. They also allow a YouTube user to link their mini-movie to related YouTube videos, whether it be there own or another's users. Users can now simply click to go to the next scene in the story. Links can also be created for channels or search results from within a video.

To utilize annotations a user simply goes to their list of uploaded videos. Then, the YouTube user clicks edit annotations. You can also go to a specific video while logged on and begin editing there. Once edit annotations is chosen the user has three choices to choose from; speech bubbles, notes, and spotlights.

Humorous videos, or videos that users want to make humorous could utilize speech bubbles. Whether a filmed, animal, or object says a funny phrase during taping may not matter. Now, the YouTube user can add one-liners, smug comments, and ridiculous statements. For instance, a video that opens with babies face in all smiles could utilize a speech bubble reading, "Hi there, I'm too cute for prime time."

As well, any URL that a user wants affiliated with a video is now a click away during the video play, with a simple link. These links can also allow
video creators to provide a unique and interactive video for YouTube viewers. A video can have questions or notes at the end of a video. These questions or notes can allow a user to chose a link sending them to one of several other videos. The line of videos could be infinite, creating a long story line or game which the user has participation in.For videos that are intended to educate or inform, YouTube's new annotation notes will be a strong asset. Users can now allow viewers the chance to ingest the information a particular video is offering. For example, a video on an animal in a zoo can now have facts added to his or her 10 minutes of fame. The size and age of the animal or the animals' zoology facts could be helpful tools to any YouTube viewer.

Another annotation reward is the new ability to add language 'Subs' to YouTube videos. Each of the three types of annotations can allow users from other countries to get the same benefit from a video as American users. YouTube has stated that after beta testing other languages will be available with annotations.
YouTube has upgrades from 100 megabytes to 1024 megabytes for users. Videos are still at a 10-minute clip, however the new capacity upgrade will allow for higher resolution videos.

The increase capacity has many users logging in to edit and upload new videos. The annotations however, have mixed reviews. While many users are excited to play with YouTube's new tool, some are worried this new feature could become a video annoyance. Future YouTube awards may reflect creative annotation uses, adult YouTube video's may be the most uncomfortably effected. Only time and annotation testing will tell.

For an interactive demonstrations on how to use YouTube annotations, watch David Rodriguez's demonstration online.