A new video product in the US called VidCall has recently launched which is basically a TV and audio platform. Once you’ve set up an account you can load multiple videos and audio files to your channel. Browsers can view this content through the VidCall website or they can download an iPhone or Android application to view via their mobile phone.
All sounds very similar to YouTube right? It is, except you can purchase a VidCall number (USD29 per annum) that you advertise and provide to your audience. With this number your audience can dial it into either of the phone applications and your content will appear. There’s no cost to your audience because the number is not dialed, its simply used as a search tool to pull your content through the internet.
It’s always great to see innovation, especially in the online video segment as this is one of the most popular and fastest growing. However, VidCall are basically competing with Youtube and trying to charge a fee for this. Can they successfully do this? Perhaps, but you need to remember that users can market their YouTube channel @DoubleBayProperty for free.
Also, there should be a mobile phone website so any phone browser with internet access can view content eg m.youtube.com not just those with an iPhone or Android phone.
8 Comments
Brett Clements
Hi Ryan.
The VidCall technology has been around for quite some time. I’m up to the third release of their iphone app.
One Agent on the Coast, Michael Kollosche, has been using it, going on 12 months.
Quite frankly, I struggle to get my head around the business model and I’ve had many discussions with the local rep, Damien, who’s based on the GC.
An Apple podcast does the same thing. And its FOC.
There’s already enough information plastered all over sign boards and set up on people’s front lawns. Ring this number; enter this code; scan this; visit this site….
Will users download The VidCall app and then dial the number; will they get out of their car and photograph a QR code?
Technology is meant to make things easier.
Or is it just easier calling the Agent?
Any application which drives video is great for us film-makers but it has to be idiot proof.
Will another distribution theatre split the audience even more?
One digital address, driving the audience to one Agent site, is the way to go. Only my opinion but surely that hard-earned traffic needs to end up at the Agency’s site.
That’s why we added embed codes to our films; so the content could be directly embedded in Client web sites.
Ryan O'Grady
Brett, you’re right consumers are looking for products which are easy to use. I know myself if there is too much mucking around to setup something then I’ll move on.
And this is true for agents as well, they like entering data in one place and having it automatically appear across the internet. So any new product needs to connect with an agent’s existing software.
Brett Clements
VidCall is also an Australian Pty Ltd Company.
I suspect the ‘Launch in the US’ press release is a way to re-energize the marketing base here.
I believe a Melbourne-based real estate marketing Company called Orion Media, or Koozoo Liquid Visuals has some interest in the application.
http://vidcall.com/index.php/videos/show/1350/
Liquid specialises in green-screen keying talent across images.
I’d be interesting in hearing Damien’s views on all this?
Bill
I can see the day all this technology will come together and present mind blowing presentations, easy to access information, audio, video, web, and speak to the agent with the click of a button. The iPad is a big leap towards the ultimate goal and combined with GPS and forthcoming faster data speeds we will be very close.
Pull up at a property for sale, open the iPad, property loacated by GPS click view info, click photo slideshow, click view video, click past sales data, click suburb sales comparisons, click contact agent, and I haven’t even got out of the car. If a property doesn’t have a video and I am a buyer I’ll be wondering why not, is there something to hide.
Brett you are in an industry which is going to explode very soon, you should be planning your franchise model now 🙂
Brett Clements
Thanks Bill.
We’re looking seriously at expansion at the moment. IF you know anybody with those unique skill sets, we’d sure like to hear from them.
Vic
“The Net is Free” video by thehomepage.com.au (see ad on this blog)is a perfect example of clever use of words and images providing a powerful concise and motivating message. How could you not place property listings on this site after viewing.
Very clever with simplicity being the key.
Brett Clements
That’s a great video Vic. Very clever
VidCall
Hi Brett, Ryan, Bill and Vic,
VidCall is much more than an app.
Inclusive of the price of the Vid Number (please see vidnumbers.com – in beta mode, please dont buy a number) we are Global CMS see vidcall.com that currently does what YouTube does not do and also CDN – 60,000 servers world wide, analytics, etc etc….
Too much to write in a short space however please fell free to ask me anything regarding this business.
Please try dialling Vid Number 65 (MK) and press the ‘Call Vid Channel’ button.
All the Vids on this channel are the brilliant work of PlatinumHD.
Note the speed at which the Vids play.
Thankyou
Kind regards
Damien