What makes a video compelling? It’s a question we often as ourselves here at ITBusiness.ca as we look to bring the best in technology news to the Web in multiple formats – text, photos, graphics, social media interactions and video.
We’ve added hundreds of videos to our library over the past year and they were watched many, many times. But our top five videos stand above the rest in terms of number of plays and appeal. Included in our top videos are things you’d expect, such as a video featuring the iPad. It also includes videos that surprised us, such as a politician making a controversial comment about copyright reform critics, or a simple story about using Twitter in business.
Here’s the top five most-viewed videos on ITBusiness in 2010:
1. James Moore slams copyright reform critics
ITBusiness caught Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore describing copyright reform critics as “radical extremists” that were acting “babyish” in an address to business leaders at the Toronto Board of Trade.
Related Story: Moore calls copyright critics ‘radical extremists’
Perhaps what made the clip so appealing was the suggestion by Internet law expert Michael Geist that an attempt was made to cover-up the controversial comments. In a blog post, Geist describes how a video posted by event organizers did not include the clip with those comments. Moore also sent Geist a Twitter message, claiming “Not what I said. Not even close” when Geist took issue with the reported “radical extremist” comment.
Afer the ITBusiness video hit the Web, the event organizers also updated their video to include the remark. The story was discussed in an episode of TVO’s Search Engine podcast and referenced in the title of a book edited by Geist, From “Radical Extremism” to “Balanced Copyright”.
2. 3D in your pocket, no glasses required
3D technology made several breakthroughs in 2010, finally coming into the living room with several major TV manufacturers selling 3D sets viewed with active-mode glasses. But Toronto-based Spatial View can make a similar 3D effect occur without the need for any glasses at all.
Related Story: Is that a 3D iPhone in your pocket?
The company’s technology is focused on digital signage, mobile phones, and laptop overlays. Since this video was done in May, Spatial View has launched 3DeeSlide, a case that turns an iPhone into a 3D content viewing platform, and 3DeeCentral, a marketplace for 3D content.
3. Porter Airlines responds to Twitter complaint
Porter Airlines is a small airline that runs trips in central Canada and the eastern U.S., and is often noted for its customer service. In its waiting lounge, Porter offers free coffee and biscotti, and a complimentary newspaper, for example.
Related Story: Social media tips from Dominos Pizza and Porter Airlines
When one passenger waiting in that lounge complained on Twitter that the water in the fridge was too cold, the airline reacted by responding on Twitter and then in real life, sending someone to adjust the temperature of the fridge. It was a small act, explains Vice-President of Marketing and Communications Elizabeth Margles, but the passenger’s “thank you” Twitter message afterwards won Porter some serious social media brownie points.
4. How to record your cell phone conversations
After we posted this video tutorial demonstrating the use of SimulTalk cables and a laptop to record a cell phone conversation, many readers chimed in with other suggestions on how to accomplish the same thing. Some suggested using an applicaiton offered on Windows Mobile devices, and others had advice about making your own cables to do the job. It was a great example of our bright community of readers (and watchers) and that there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
Related Story: How to record a cell phone call
5. The iPad becomes a business tool
Many workers might be looking for a good excuse to claim an iPad purchase as a business expense. When we did this video showing off MicroStrategy’s business intelligence software running on the tablet, that may have provided the perfect proof.
Related Story: Making the Apple iPad a business tool
We look forward to making more videos in 2011. Tell us what you’d like to see more of (or less of) in our comments section.