MySpace Brings Video To Cell PhonesMySpace Brings Video To Cell Phones

In a first for mobile social networks, MySpace announced Wednesday it is enabling video streaming to cell phones.

The video beta for MySpace will let users have access to streaming content on the go with phones like the BlackBerry Bold, iPhone 3G, LG Voyager, Motorola Q9, Nokia N95, T-Mobile G1, and Samsung Instinct. After logging in at m.myspace.com, mobile MySpace users will have access to any video they have uploaded, as well as premium content from College Humor, National Geographic, National Hockey League, The Onion, TMZ, and other content providers.

"Video is a natural next step for us in mobile," said John Faith, VP of Mobile for MySpace, in a statement. "MySpace will continue to grow our video library as we increase delivery channels in order to keep pace with our users' accelerating desire for video consumption."

The new feature will use video transcoding technology from RipCode. The videos will only be transcoded by request, and RipCode automatically selects the optimal codecs and resolution for the end user's handset.

"As the volume of video grows and the number of mobile devices supporting video continues to expand, companies have to find alternative solutions to deliver content to their customers across multiple screens," RipCode CEO Brendon Mills said. "MySpace's decision to choose RipCode's transcoding solution is proof that market leaders are embracing change in traditional transcoding methodologies and looking for smarter, more scalable solutions to manage mobile video growth."

MySpace said the move will help it create a more engaging experience for mobile users, and it keeps the company one step ahead of rival Facebook. The two social networks have a strong presence in the mobile space, but both lack location-based functionality, which could open the door for smaller companies like Loopt and Brightkite.