Online Video Users Prefer Ad-Supported Sites And Short Format

Only one in five online video users have watched or downloaded a full-length movie or tv show, according to a poll of 3,000 people by AP and AOL. More than half of web users have watched or downloaded video; news was by far the most popular content — seen by 72 percent. Short movie and tv clips, music videos, sport and user content were also popular. The results won’t be encouraging to movie studios and web firms increasingly pushing online video — particularly because only 7 percent of those surveyed said they have paid to watch video online. Respondents preferred ad-supported service.
Also from the report:
— Men and younger people are the highest users.
— 20 percent of over 65 have watched video online.
— More than 50 percent of women have watched video online.
— One third said they watch more now than a year ago.
— People in urban and suburban areas have faster connections and watch more video.
— Interviewees identified diversity of content, control and convenience as benefits but poor quality, particularly among dial-up users, was a frustration.
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This article originally appeared in MediaGuardian.

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