Vox Pops Rolls Out 'You Tube for Business'

UK-based Vox Pops International has launched its own Internet TV service, with access to an archive of filmed consumer interviews; and a youth service comprising video interviews conducted with 15-21 year-olds across China, Germany, Mexico, India, Russia and the USA.

The new service, ambitiously described as 'You Tube for Business', allows subscribers to access video footage of consumers describing their opinions and views on subjects such as lifestyles, topics, brands and companies. The site also features 'topic of the week' clips, with recent themes including credit cards, favourite media and favourite financial brand.

The videos can be selected by demographic groups - such as DINKYs, the over 50s, parents, singles, teens, tweens and students - and the firm says they are already being used by marketers, media and researchers to keep in touch with current trends.

User Shirley Tang, Customer Insight Manager at O2, says the videos give viewers 'a strong and memorable image when developing new propositions - it reminds them of who the customer is.'

The videos are segmented by subject matter, such as include brands, fashion, finance, food and drink, media, environment and retail, as well as by 'type' which includes mood, testimonials, video diaries, depths, instore research, communication and product testing.

Client Services Director Diane Earnshaw believes that the new service is ideal for researchers, insight managers, brand managers, planners and agencies who require a 'real view of consumer views and opinions on all manner of topics'.

Video clips on the new youth service show young people describing their spending habits, attitudes towards brands, technology, mobile phones, alcohol, advertising, leisure time, music and media. Earnshaw says they provide a 'fascinating insight into what young people think is cool'.

Founded in 1987, Vox Pops conducts research, fieldwork, editing and filming in-house for clients in both consumer and b2b markets. Earlier in the year, UK research publisher Mintel announced it would be using the firm's videos to 'spice up' its reports (www.mrweb.com/drno/news6432.htm ). Web site: www.voxpops.com.