Joost: The Next Hulu? Watch Free TV, Movies and Music Videos Online

I just got done reading all the morning's Associated Press Technology stories. One that caught my eye was about an online TV on Demand website called Joost. Now I love watching TV online and have even written another article about it. But, I have never heard of Joost. Maybe in passing, but I've never actually visited the site. It clearly has never been heavily marketed. After visiting Joost.com this morning, I have a feeling that Joost has the potential to be the next big thing online, with the right marketing and business deals of course.

Watch out Hulu, here Joost comes!

After a little research, Joost has been around since 2006. It used to be a site where users could download videos to their computers to watch at their convenience, but they soon figured out the instant gratification needs of internet users and TV show/movie fans!

Joost currently offers many main stream shows, mostly from CBS including lots of Soap Operas. They also offer a LOT of vintage movies, like karate flicks and westerns. Stuff that guys love.

Hulu Vs. Joost

First off, Joost apparently does't have a clue on how to market. The article I read said they weren't making much money; I saw barely any ads on their site with plenty of places to sneak a few in. Secondly, they don't have the name recognition like Hulu does, which is understandably due to a lack of marketing. But that's easy to fix.

In Joost's favor, they have a music video network. Hulu does not. It also appears as those Joost has tried to build a social network of sorts, where users can exchange messages and join groups relating to interest. Hulu does have some discussion boards that are widely used, but they don't have a social networking format like Joost does. Lastly, the #2 Cable Provider, Time Warner Cable, Inc. is currently in talks with Joost with regards to an acquisition. Imagine what Time Warner Cable could do with an TV Online Demand Website!

A cool thing that I could forsee happening, IF the alledged business deal went through, exciting things that I forsee could happen, IF this business deal went through. Perhaps Time Warner would offer internet subscription based "cable", or at least allow their cable subscribing customers online access. It'd be great if non-cable subscribers could sign-up to for a basic online "cable" package and get networks like HBO, The Discovery Channel, Fox News and many more, right on our computer desktop.

It looks like Joost is headed down the right path and I'm interested to see what could happen!