This week’s studio explored many areas surrounding the practice of online video in the interest of determining what exactly online video is. I have learnt that it is firstly vital to distinguish online video from other mediums such as television or cinema. The particular aspects that feature the largest differentiation among the mediums are duration, form and interactivity.

Duration is easily the most noticeable distinguishing factor between online video and television. Television programs have to fulfil a duration that is equivalent to the allocated segment of the television schedule and compensate for advertisements, etc. Whereas, although there are no particular duration guidelines or restrictions on online video, it is evident that a video ranging from several minutes to a maximum of about 10 minutes is symbolic of online video. This must relate to a foundation that exists within online video culture. However it is interesting to note that online videos are becoming shorter and shorter with the increased popularity of Vines and Snapchats. This shows the versatility of online video.

Form is another important factor to analyse online video. The form of media includes how stylistic elements are used and how content is structured. I think the most noticeable element of form that could distinguish online video from other forms of media is the presence of mature language or content. Due to the censorship restrictions placed on television media, a contrast can be found within the maturity of content found on television as opposed to online video.

Finally, the interactivity of media refers to how audiences interact with the content or have the potential to interact with the content. The affordances of the internet enable online video to be interacted with in a multitude of different ways and ways in which distinguish online video from other forms of media. For example, the sharing capabilities of the internet allow online video to be distributed within social groups and through niche channels. This means that a particular practice of online video can become part of a large cloud of associated content and surrounding practices formed through the pathways in which it is distributed. This provides the online video practice with pre-determined background or viewer expectations which will alter the effect it has on viewers.

After this studio, I have furthered my distinction of online video content, primarily through finding a distinction between the duration, form and interactivity of video content.