YouTube has launched it’s India version. India has become the 20th country to have its own domain in YouTube.
This emphasises the growing importance of India in the web world. And the timing seems to be right. I remember, CNET launching an India specific site many years ago(now licensed by ZDNETIndia). International publications too are making a beeline here. Adweek and Forbes are expected to launch soon. I better check for domain availability of these titles! Next in line could be specialist gadget sites like Engadget and Gizmodo which are popular – they too may launch India specific sites given the explosion in the consumer electronics space in India.
YouTube reportedly bought the domain names (YouTube.in and YouTube.co.in) for Rs.244,000 last year. The partners on YouTube India include NDTV, UTVi, Bindaas, Zoom, IndiaGlitz. There is content from Rajshri Media (who seem to bet big on online media, making available their film for purchase on the net outside India) and Music Today. There is sports-related content from KrishCricket and education-related content from NPTEL (a JV between IIT and IIS). Given the amount of media available in our films (Hindi and regional), music, cricket and so many other avenues, content is likely to be rocking. Imagine the opportunities: distance education, spiritual talks, TV shows…the list can go on. Exciting times ahead for Indian brands too.