INTERNET
YouTube.ie -- coming to a PC near you
19-06-2007
by Stephen Errity
Irish users of internet video giant YouTube will soon have their own country-specific site, as part of a major localisation project announced Tuesday.
The Google subsidiary will be launching local versions of its site for Ireland, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK. In a statement, YouTube said that this was just the 'first step' towards launching fully localised sites for each of the nine countries.
Each site will initially be translated fully, with local homepages and search functions. Over time, an entirely 'local' experience will be added that will allow for country-specific video rankings and comments, as well as country-specific Video, Channel, Category and Community sections.
"With our announcement today we are expanding upon our already global platform to make it even more relevant for our local communities," said YouTube co-founder and CEO Chad Hurley in a statement. "YouTube will now be more accessible and interesting to a worldwide audience, and we look forward to rolling out in other countries in the months to come."
His co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Steve Chen said: "We're really excited to be offering the YouTube user experience and service to a global community, by bringing them local sites that not only promote their communities but speak their language."
In preparation for the launch, YouTube has already signed various major international content partners including broadcasters such as the UK's BBC, France's France 24, Spain's Antena 3 and Cuatro TV, Portugal's RTP, the Netherlands' VPRO and NPO as well as a host of European football clubs and non-profit organisations. There is no indication at this stage if any Irish broadcasters will be joining the site.
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