Youtube’s Perpetual Beta
Our favourite video-sharing service YouTube is yet another application technology grasping for Web 2.0 headway by invariably going through beta cycles. Since its buyout by Google in 2006, YouTube works to blend automatic updates (i.e. slipstreaming features on a monthly, weekly, even daily basis), internal research analysis, and pre-rollout testing by allowing its users to “opt-in” to specific development projects.
Ordinary users can volunteer for a host of potential implementations; h.264 encoded video for HTML5 video support, Feather, 3D video viewing, and significant changes to comment features, to name a few. As time wears on, these changes are either refined and adopted or removed according to the collective response of their testers. To this end, major upgrades are finally (with fanfare, skepticism or both) consolidated with the existing platform.
The critical inference with beta testing in this case (notice that opt-ins tend to be fundamental changes/add-ons to the site’s base structure) is that existing systems remain available with critical functionality unaffected until the beta cycle proves successful. The site’s optional sign up beta procedures provides a petri dish of active users for a level of co-creation that only ensures YouTube’s monopoly over online video. This is arguably also the reason for YouTube’s lack of a ‘beta’ badge as was formerly employed by Google products, as users become accustomed to perpetual updates and added features – the term ‘beta’ only being used on opt-in opportunities.
Like Google, YouTube includes two primary methods of perpetual participatory platform development; direct (in the form of blogs, forums, opt-in schemes, direct email to staff) and indirect – internal-facing systems monitoring usage or ‘clicks’. These types of input, whether upon the entire consumer base or a focused pool of users, is essential where transparency and sustainability interrelate for Web 2.0 applications. Harold Jarche’s blog, “Life in Perpetual Beta” highlights the theories behind this beautifully.
An example of direct user input via YouTube’s official blog:
YouTube’s general state of affairs as a perpetual beta website, however, has its disadvantages, not unlike most Web 2.0 rapidly evolving interface features. Users, including those who have opted-in to specific betas, are unable to choose or revert to known stable releases with no clear resolution paths or rollout dates. While this is the unfortunate trade-off for being at the forefront of Web 2.0 change, Google has and continues to excel in an age where responsiveness to user needs and emerging trends is key to success.
Changes are tentative, responses monitored and suggestions clearly welcome; YouTube’s perpetual beta allows us to assist in the refinement process every step of the way. What more could we ask for?
| Print article | This entry was posted by digilee on April 22, 2010 at 6:35 am, and is filed under Web 2 Applications. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site. |
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Hi there,
Just wanted to let you know that I think the site design is great – I think I came across this site a few months ago and it’s really come along in leaps and bounds. I definitely agree with your take on ‘perpetual beta’ – one of the things that I loved about facebook, for instance, was the user-driven change and in particular the collaborative page translation app (which is kind of related)
Keep up the good work, cheers!
about 1 year ago
Thanks, Bea!
Too right, we can’t underestimate our pulling power wherever Web 2’s concerned today. Isn’t it refreshing, being able to have your say in a business that doesn’t just tell you that it’ll facilitate ‘what is in your best interest’, but our ability to be part of these changes? Finally it’s a two-way street, and as much as it might put businesses on their toes, web innovation and creativity is going to soar – fast. Thanks for stopping by, glad you like the design!
about 1 year ago
Wow. I didn’t know they were already looking at 3D video! o.O So does that mean we now need to by 3D glasses to watch it?
about 1 year ago
Ha, yes! Perhaps not so surprisingly, all of this was just before the unveiling of 3D home televisions released by all the big guys – LG, Samsung, Sony and a couple others. Typical, just when we think we’re all updated!
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Hi Digilee, just curious – do you see this new 3d technology as potentially replacing 2d screens altogether in the future? Or do you think that it will remain a niche market like Bluray (seems) to be, reserved for those who can afford it?
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Good question, I’d expect integration to be terribly slow if not simply for the fact we’d all be a little peeved having to wear glasses to watch anything. It’s a novelty in the theatre, but it really wouldn’t be at home! I can definitely see a fair few of them being sold for 3D DVD releases like Avatar and How to Train Your Dragon, whatnot. People are also really getting into using their tvs as pc monitors, which is where YouTube would come in with their ‘beta’ at present.