Joost releases web-based player

Joost has formally launched the web-based video player it announced in September. The company is attempting to compete with other web-based viewing platforms like Hulu and Veoh, as its previous, downloadable online video client failed to deliver on expectations.

In order to different themselves from the competition, the site is adding social networking features. The Joost model now more closely resembles companies like Mevio, which blend online video viewing experience with social networking tools and community building.

The new service is Flash-based, and Joost claims it has the largest library of legal video programming. It doesn't say if that's the largest library of legal programming in the world, its state, or even its office building, though. YouTube just picked up CBS's online video content, and Hulu has the NBC and Fox families of programming so it it doubtful Joost's library competes with either for legal content, let alone other sites like Veoh.

The sites interactivity features, like friend functions and community building functions around series of videos, certainly help to define Joost's niche. But it has a long way to go if it wants to compete with the big boys and girls in this space, as it isn't even in the top 20 online video properties by videos viewed or unique visitors, according to comScore figures. 

For more:
- see the Joost press release here 

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