Widescreen and High Definition Videos

Hot on the heels of YouTube's upgrade to High Quality videos, the site now lets users upgrade and viewers watch widescreen videos, as well as high definition videos. The default video player is now widescreen, and any widescreen videos you upload will display at the wider aspect ratio. You can also upload videos up to 720p resolution -- that's 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels tall. When the high definition option is available, viewers need only click the HD option to view in full high resolution.

Video Annotations

Here's something relatively new on the YouTube site. You can now "annotate" your videos, by adding Pop Up Video-like word balloons and text boxes, as well as onscreen overlays that link to other YouTube videos. To add annotations, upload your video as normal and then go to your uploaded videos page; click the Edit Annotations button for the video in question and then do your thing!

YouTube for Business

Due to popular request, I've written a book that focuses exclusively on how to use YouTube to market your business, brand, products, and services. That book is called YouTube for Business, and it's now available at most bookstores and online retailers. It's priced at an affordable $24.95, and is a must-have for any business who is serious about marketing via YouTube online videos.

YouTube for Business covers everything you need to use YouTube as a component of your online marketing mix, and features profiles of five successful YouTube businesses. Find out more about the book here.

Higher Quality YouTube Videos

YouTube is now accepting and displaying higher resolution videos. Instead of the old 320 x 240 resolution, YouTube can now work with videos up to 480 x 360 resolution. YouTube calls this "Higher Quality Video," which it is.

To view higher quality videos whenever the higher quality is available, you need to change your account settings. Go to your Account page and click the Video Playback Quality link. On the next page, select the playback setting that makes sense for you, then click the Save Settings button.

Know, however, that the majority of existing YouTube videos are available only in the older 320 x 240 resolution. Look for newer videos to be uploaded at the higher resolution.