Is this a sign of greater collaboration to come amongst YouTube’s chasing pack?
Metacafe likes Babelgum’s iPhone app so much, it has picked the underlying template to power its own free iPhone app, available from today.
In return, Babelgum is getting the opportunity to host its professional film commissions through Metacafe’s app, as well as in a Babelgum-branded area of the Metacafe site and in Metacafe’s subject-specific video sections.
It’s a surprise move; two video aggregators collaborating. And it’s also a recognition that Babelgum is not only only a platform but also a producer – its production wing finances the making of several independent documentaries and the company is trying to focus on the independent shorts sector.
Metacafe CEO Erick Hachenburg, in the release, calls it a “win-win”. Babelgum CEO Valerio Zingarelli says “both companies are ensured maximum visibility”. Metacafe already has a number of branded channels for outlets like Hulu, CBS (NYSE: CBS) and ITN.