Videosharing

Video sharing refers to the distribution and viewing of video content over the internet, typically through platforms that allow users to upload, host, and stream videos. It enables individuals, organizations, and media producers to publish content for broad or targeted audiences, often with social features such as comments, likes, and subscriptions.

Core technologies include video encoding, adaptive streaming protocols (such as HTTP Live Streaming and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP), content delivery networks, and metadata management. Most videos are stored in common formats (for example MP4) to balance compatibility and quality, and platforms provide tools for thumbnail selection, captions, analytics, and rights management.

Video sharing emerged in the early internet era and expanded with the rise of user-generated content sites. YouTube, launched in 2005, popularized public video sharing, followed by platforms such as Vimeo, Dailymotion, and social networks that integrate video features. Monetization has evolved to include advertising, subscriptions, sponsorships, and creator funds, with additional revenue from tips or fan support.

Impact includes democratizing media production and enabling education, journalism, and entertainment, while raising concerns about copyright, misinformation, privacy, and moderation. Key metrics include views, watch time, and engagement. Ongoing developments include live streaming, shorter formats, AI-assisted editing, improved compression, and more sophisticated content moderation across platforms.