Soapbox on MSN Video was a service from Microsoft via its MSN portal. It is similar to YouTube in that it is an internet video-sharing service. As of December 17, 2006, it was an invitation-only beta. In February 2007 it entered public beta. In order to be able to upload content, users are required to sign up for a Windows Live ID. Those who already have a Windows Live ID are able to use that. MSN Soapbox has been compared to YouTube. A major difference between YouTube and MSN Soapbox is that Soapbox states in its privacy policy that use of copyrighted material is not allowed and will be deleted. YouTube has that policy, but copyrighted material is still present on the site, because YouTube leaves the responsibility of finding copyrighted material in the hands of the copyright holder.[1]
On June 16, 2009, Microsoft Vice President Erik Jorgensen said that Microsoft plans to scale back Soapbox, citing tough economic conditions.[2]
Soapbox uses an interface heavily dependent on JavaScript and AJAX. The original codename for the project was Warhol, the Soapbox name being subsequently chosen by an intern during the 2007 summer. Soapbox on MSN Video differs from other video sites as it offers features such as RSS, and the fact that you do not need to open a new window to continue using the site and browsing videos when you are uploading one of your own.
The current version of Soapbox is in English (U.S.); service and upload instructions are also in English. However, there were plans for this to be widened in the future. Videos are shown at 400 x 300 pixels by default, but can be expanded to full screen. Soapbox plays videos in the Microsoft Windows Media Player for Internet Explorer users and the Adobe Flash Player for users who don't have Internet Explorer.
On July 21, 2009, it was announced that Microsoft will be closing the service to uploads at the end of July. The service closed entirely at the end of August 2009.[3]
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