IanKelley - 9:11 pm on Jan 21, 2010 (gmt 0)

Hopefully YouTube can build up a collection bigger than NetFlix's online collection and also charge by movie instead of a monthly fee.

Below are some successful existing examples of online movie rental, all of which have much more available titles than NetFlix's misguided no fee instant selection. They all support streaming or download...

Amazon.com Unbox
Blockbuster.com (from last year's Movielink buyout)
Cinemanow.com (now owned by Roxio)
Apple TV (set top box only)
LoveFilm (UK based)
Et al.

Most of the above also offer TV show rental or purchase. In addition movies can be streamed to your TV via set top boxes. They are extremely profitable. Undoubtedly the future of movie rental and, further down the road, probably television as well.

If YouTube handles this well the tie in from people posting movie trailers and TV clips could take a big chunk out of their unprofitability.