James R | On 09, Dec 2015

Vessel has introduced a range of new features, including threaded video conversations and mobile compatibility.

The site, which launched earlier this year, aimed to provide a new subscription platform for fans of YouTube, offering a way for creators to earn revenue by giving subscribers exclusive early access to new videos. Since then, Vessel’s thunder has been stolen somewhat by YouTube’s own SVOD service, YouTube Red.

Vessel is continuing to roll out new features, though. The site is now compatible with iOS and Android devices, while users can now use Facebook and Google credentials to sign in. PayPal has also been added to make it easier for viewers to subscribe.

While these updates will keep Vessel up to date with YouTube’s core functionality, though, Vessel also needs to build its community of users to establish it as a streaming contender. To this end, the site is boosting its interactive features, from nested comments – that make it simpler to follow conversations – to social notifications for replies to, and likes of, comments. Video Threads will also let creators post questions, topics and challenges to fans, to which viewers can respond with their own videos.

“We now offer these passionate communities a home to have conversations about the videos and topics they love,” say Vessel. “We will roll this feature out gradually, starting with a handful of creators today. Fans can watch and contribute to Threads from these creators through our updated Vessel mobile apps for iOS and Android as well as watch across our mobile apps and the web.”

One area where Vessel does compete with YouTube, though, is price: the site, which is available for free with adverts, costs $2.99 a month for a subscription.

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