The web has been buzzing about Twitter’s newest service called, Vine.
Vine is attempting to do what Twitter did years ago with blogging. I remember Twitter being referred to as “micro-blogging.” The same could be said for Vine, as it limits users to six seconds of quasi-unedited videos. You can record videos in multiple segments, if you like, but they have to be done linearly and must not exceed six seconds of total length.
At first blush I thought the idea was a little, “meh,” but the more I’ve thought about, the more I could see this really taking off.
Here’s a closer look at Vine:
Vine
From the Vine iTunes Store description:
Vine is the best way to see and share life in motion. Create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way for your friends and family to see.
- Unlimited uploads and free
- Instantly post videos on Vine, then share to Twitter and Facebook (more coming soon!)
- Find, follow, and interact with people close to you
- Explore trending posts, featured hashtags and editor’s picks
- And so much more
You can, of course, download it for free from the Apple iTunes Store.
My Impressions
Not 100% sure of what using Vine would be like, I recorded an outside view just outside my home. If you’re using it for the first time, don’t forget that Vine also records audio.
I like how it worked. It was really simple.
Just press the screen to record.
When you let go, it stops.
Still want to record more?
Press and hold again.
Simple stuff.
I like it.
I hope they add some more features, primarily the ability to switch to forward facing camera. Of course, adding some cool filters would be a nice touch, too.
As for the social sharing interface, it reminded me of Instagram. You can keep your Vine activity only in Vine, or you can share your links via Facebook and Twitter (Google+ coming soon?):
A beautiful day. http://t.co/meBjpdq0
— Eric Dye (@DYECASTING) February 1, 2013
Vine’s Future
It’s interesting how placing constraints on a medium forces you to become more creative than if you were allowed to do whatever you want. There have been video mobile apps for a long time, now, but nothing has really taken off.
I think Vine will make it.
It’s easy to use and the creative factor is huge.
The only drawback I see with the service is much like Twitter’s and other corners of the Internet. Spam-bots and pornography could become a huge problem. With Twitter, you simply avoid clicking spam links and yucky avatars while blocking them and marking as spam. What happens with video as you’re ‘forced’ to see something that you shouldn’t be? With all new forms of technology there are some negatives that will need to be wrangled as it’s abused.
On the positive side, this is an opportunity to be creative and inspire others. This could be a great tool for churches, ministries and missionaries around the world. And a great place to connect with others and have fun doing it.
Are you using Vine?
How do you like it?
Will it last?
Record your six second thoughts on Vine and drop a link in the comments?
wvpv says
Strike #1: no Android version.
Eric Dye says
True story!