YouTube, MySpace, and "Web 2.0"

People ask why have a thing called "Web 2.0". It's really just the same web, just better.

But there is something significant going on that probably deserves to be deemed a "major release". People are starting to interact with the web in a more sophisticated manner with rich, well organized content. Thanks to new technologies and better understanding of the web, people are starting to catch on.

Take YouTube for example, the video-centric version of MySpace. YouTube's user base is presently overtaking MySpace, which experienced huge growth over the last couple years. YouSpace accomplishes what MySpace did, except with a simple interface that allows people to broadcast their ideas though video. This coincides with the rapid adoption of digital cameras, notably when in the hands of young people. The huge and growing user base of techno-literate youths provide an unending stream of clients. The kids that grew up on MySpace are primed for YouTube.

And great gains are also to be had as wireless connectivity improves, which seems to be happening at an astounding rate. Bandwidth continues to improve, thereby increasing ability to share and stream large media files. Correspondingly user behaviour changes, lowering the level of discomfort people feel broadcasting themselves in step with the lower of technological barriers. Like email, people get on board when "everyone else is doing it".