The website, which is owned by Google, revealed via a blog post that longer video times was one of the most requested features by YouTube users.

 

“We encourage you to take full advantage of this new time limit by making a video of your “15 minutes of fame.” Imagine that this video is all the world will ever know about you: what would you want to communicate? What will be the enduring stamp you’ve left on us all?” the post explains. 

 

YouTube also explained that it feels its ContentID system, which is designed to prevent copywrite infringement on the website has evolved to a point where it can now process longer videos.

 

“Because of the success of these ongoing technological efforts, we are able to increase the upload limit today. We will continue our strong commitment to provide advanced technology and tools to protect the rights of small and large copyright owners worldwide. We’ll also do everything we can to release incremental improvements like this one that benefit our video creators.“

 

YouTube, which is the largest video content website in the world, was recently localised for South African users. This means that users within the country can now access video content using cheaper local bandwith.