YouTube: The Extended Cut.

When opting to upload a video, one warning that appears states that videos any longer than ten minutes must be split because they are too large, and do not comply with the YouTube user agreement. Much like everything in life, there are ways around this rule. However, in YouTubes' case, the exception only applies to more corporate users. Users such as The Associated Press, CBS, and various (National) news stations are able to upload videos of much greater lengths. (For example Senator John McCain's acceptance speech for the Republican National Convention runs 55:58 and can be found on YouTube, posted by C-SPAN.)

Allowing users to upload videos longer than ten minutes can be very beneficial for viewers. In instances such as McCain's acceptance speech, if an "average" user were to try and show this video, they would have to cut it in to six different pieces. Causing a viewer to have to avidly seek out each individual piece, which can take away from the overall quality and enjoyment of the video.

On October 10th, The New York Times published a story about another route YouTube plans to take (Thank-you, Dr. Platt). YouTube will start offering television channels such as CBS to include full-length episodes of certain television shows. This helps YouTube to compete with other video-casting websites that already offer such options. It can also be beneficial to users who do not have recording devices such as DVR and TiVo.

I think this can prove to be a great idea and addition for YouTube. Amongst the T.V. shows that CBS will be airing on YouTube are some shows that primarily are only on Showtime. So if you do not have cable, you would not normally be able to watch these shows. But by adding them to YouTube, it can broaden their fan base.

The catch? Because there always is one...
Viewers will be forced to watch an advertisement before and after the show they are watching. As well as one amidst the show.