Early today I noticed that Flickr has extended it’s functionality with a new feature of video uploading. At the very first stage of this new opportunity, according to users comments on the Flickr discussion groups and other online communities I realized that this has not been applauded so much, even worse it’s being criticized and seen as irrelevant. Some said rumors claim that it’s another Yahoo move to compete with Google, initially I too may have looked at it that way but referring to some available important details I can claim differently. First clue comes from the fact that only those members with a account are able to upload videos, also the possible duration of a video file is no more than 90 seconds, whereas Youtube’s limit is far beyond this limitation. The second clue came from Heather Champ, a Flickr staff member. She claims that people are understanding this step as a competition of Yahoo against Google, but that’s not the reason why this function has been implemented for Flickr users.

If I had any credible reason to think that the addition of video was coming from the original flickr development team and not Yahoo! I might feel more reassured regarding it’s implementation.
Everything that you see on Flickr comes from the original Flickr development team — they’re all still here (+ all the wonderful team member who’ve joined us as we’ve grown larger).
Video is a conversation that’s been happening since I joined the team (that was when they first came down to California) and one that they most likely had back prior to the acquisition.
As it stands now, I just see this as Yahoo! trying to compete with Google (rather than flickr adding a feature that would truly enhance the photo-sharing experience).
I am categorically declaring (in bold) that video on Flickr isn’t being introduced to compete with Google. Ever. Period.

Really.

I couldn’t agree with her more, could be possible that we do think the same way. Definitively I have to congratulate for the well integration of this new feature, it’s being showed exactly the same way an image does, all you have to do is click the play button and it’ll play right away, nevertheless I don’t see any strong reason of whether was this necessary to put or was it best to focus on photography features only.

On the day of launch they prepared a promotion video, a funny little thing to attract members in a cool way, but not all the user videos will have humor in them.

A FAQs page is available for all to get a closer look about the possibilities along with video uploading, so be sure to check here if interested. In the other hand if you would like to say your opinion about this loud and proud, check the video feedback discussion topic and speak for your self.

Eventually, Flickr has gained it’s reputation in matters of photography, everyone loved Flickr for what it “was“, every extension was pretty much well welcomed, but the last changes are doubtful if yet will make that prestige grow or head downwards.

Update: I am surprised of how fast new Flickr groups has been created regarding videos and flickr video feature in particular. A user called Aster-oid has expressed his opinion against the uploading video on flickr opportunity calling it as unacceptable. Click here to read the details.

Update: A serious ongoing discussion is floating on the flickr video discussion page, jump right in if you want to be updated with different opinions. In the other hand if you’re against this very new feature be sure to sign in the petition against Flickr Video.