Online Video Gets Real

Missy DePew of Denver, a mother of two, wanted to reach out to other moms. So she launched her own broadcasting network—on the Web, that is. Now, her MomMe TV micro-channel, at www.mommetv.com, is an absolutely thriving, profitable, advertising-supported video-distribution destination.

In the same way, a group of professional golf instructors decided they wanted to extend their lessons to the Web. So they launched the GolfSpan network, where off-the-shelf, low-cost tools are used to reach thousands of golfers. The network is supported by both advertising and paid downloads of instructional videos, many of which are filmed with just one stationary, inexpensive digital video camera.

Aside from having been started with nearly no budget, there is another common thread between MomMe TV and GolfSpan: Both successful Web video startups avoided the complicated, costly world of TV licensing and distribution by reaching out to Brightcove.com. Brightcove charges them nothing for distribution and promotion, and splits advertising revenues with the grassroots producers.

Services such as Brightcove, which can help you launch a ­professional-looking and profitable Web video operation, are just the tip of the iceberg. The Internet is now teeming ... // 96% Remaining