YouTube extends video length limits to 15 minutes
After years of restricting users to video lengths of 10 minutes, YouTube has finally decided to increase the length by 50 percent, but is it really of any use?
YouTube has announced that non-partner users — those that are your normal, everyday users — will now be able to upload videos that are 15 minutes in length. The limit has been capped at ten minutes for several years now as a way to combat people from uploading lengthy, copyright violating videos. The company says that the reason the limit is being increased is due to improvements in its Content ID system that allows media companies to better monitor the site for violations.
In celebration of this change, YouTube is launching a contest called “15 minutes of fame”. The idea is that you film a video that is 15 minutes in length and treat it like it is the only thing anyone will ever know about you. You tag them with “yt15minutes” when you upload them by Aug. 4, and the winners that are chosen will be featured on the front page.
While this is all well and good, one has to wonder if the increase in length really matters. The vast majority of content that is uploaded is only a few minutes in length any way, and since viewers lose interest quickly, keeping videos short has always been the better option. Although the company has said this was its most requested feature, but it remains to be seen just how this will be used and if it was ever really needed by the general masses. Those who turn YouTube into a profession, those known as partners, already had the ability to upload longer videos, so will we need 15 minute long videos of puppies romping around on slick floors?
This may be the least important, big announcement, in the history of the company, but time will tell.
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