YouTube became the largest video site in the world because it was FREE. And because the ugly little videos PLAYED on almost any computer.
But with ad overlays and all the new features being introduced, it’s starting to get confusing. And even annoying.
If you’re an avid YouTube viewer, you’ve probably noticed the growing number of videos on the site that contain clickable links within the display screen. That’s the result of Video Annotations, a feature introduced last June that allows other clips to be embedded into videos. Lately it’s been increasingly used to string together several (or even several dozen) individual videos to create interactive video series. Many resemble a 21st-century version of those old “choose your own adventure†kids books or the original, laser disc-driven Dragon’s Lair, and suggest new ways to package future video content. Here’s a sampling to give you a sense of what’s possible in this evolving sub-genre — or at the very least, something to watch during your next lunch break.
This is an interactive video game on YouTube.
… a stop-motion animated breakdance competition between The Joker and Batman, using highly articulated action figures based on The Dark Knight. You choose one of the characters, then try to mirror your competitors’ moves by memorizing their sequence and choosing the correct one from a quickly-flashing multiple choice menu at the top of the video. Watching Boivin’s impressive and complex animation sequences are just as entertaining as the interactive feature, if not more so. …
Click PLAY or watch the introduction to Bboy Joker on YouTube.
Created by Canadian animator Patrick Boivin.
I’m missing the OLD YouTube more every day.
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