Social video-sharing service KakaoTV gains popularity in Korea

Basking in its status as the No. 1 mobile messaging operator in Korea, Daum Kakao has been experimenting with new mobile services compatible with its mobile messenger app KakaoTalk, such as KakaoTaxi and KakaoMusic.

In a bid to increase its presence in the video content market, Daum Kakao rolled out KakaoTV which allows KakaoTalk users to find video content that fit their tastes and to share the video clips with their friends on the messenger and other Daum Kakao mobile services with ease in June. 

The video sharing service, which enables KakaoTalk users to watch videos, including live streaming, has been riding a wave of popularity here.

KakaoTV recently came into the limelight when it streamed TV program “My Little Television,” in which celebrities or professionals from different fields make their own broadcasts on the messenger allowing KakaoTalk users to communicate in real time with them.

Cho Han-kyu, head of Daum Kakao’s content business, said, “KakaoTV is a video service that embraces social relations and communication, which play core roles in the mobile era.”

“I hope that users can enjoy quality content together with their friends while communicating through the social video sharing platform.”

The video sharing platform offers free Web dramas and video-on-demand movies. The live broadcasting available on KakaoTV allows users to watch video clips with a group of friends, which the company said will be a useful feature for football or baseball aficionados.

Users have given positive reviews for some video content available only on the KakaoTV platform, including “Mnet Digital Lab,” a program to show the lifestyles of stars, and “Master of DJing,” a variety show featuring electronic dance music and comedy skits.

Videos on KakaoTV can also be shared with friends on KakaoStory, Daum Kakao’s photo sharing service.

By Kim Young-won  (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)