MySpace vs YouTube

The Guardian reports that MySpace is relaunching its video section as a separate web domain (myspacetv.com), in a bid to usurp YouTube's dominion of online video-sharing.

"User generated videos are enormously popular but so are professionally created clips," said Mr Berman [MySpace GM for video]. "We want to create a destination for casual consumers who want to watch say one or two videos and film-makers who may want to be the next Steven Spielberg."

Mr Berman said MySpace would continue innovative promotions such as My Movie Mash Up, a competition that allows budding film-makers in Britain to submit content in the hope of winning a £1m-plus budget. Judges include actress Sienna Miller.

Last week MySpace signed a deal with Sony for its "minisodes" - five-minute clips of 80s comedies such as Silver Spoons and Diff'rent Strokes.