KickApps Adds iPhone Support for Videos

KickApps Corp., which provides white-label, hosted social networking capabilities to corporate Web sites, announced Monday that any video uploaded to its sites is now viewable on the Apple Inc. iPhone mobile device.

The company said that the latest version of its social networking platform, introduced Monday, automatically converts all uploaded videos to the format that can be read by Apple's Safari web browser.

KickApps noted that most videos on social networks use the Flash format, while the iPhone's Safari browser is only compatible with the Quicktime video player. As a result, iPhone users are unable to view Flash video without special downloaded client applications, it said.

When a user plays a video, the new version of KickApps detects which format is required and provides the video via a compatible video player, such as Quicktime for the iPhone, the company said. Users can visit KickApps to see an example of a Web site optimized for the iPhone.

"Our platform is driven largely by the goal of eliminating barriers of entry to social media," said Alex Blum, CEO of KickApps, in a statement. "By supporting the iPhone browser, we're providing our affiliates and their audiences with the flexibility to deliver and consume online video via one of the most exciting and innovative mobile devices on the market today."

By optimizing their sites for the iPhone's 3.5 inch wide-screen display, Web site operators and developers can ensure the best possible viewing experience for iPhone users, KickApps noted

KickApps, which is used by Kraft Foods, Proctor & Gamble, Home Box Office Inc., Scripps Network Interactive, the Arena Football League and other companies, is designed to let such users quickly support user generated content and other social networking functionality directly on their Web sites.

KickApps provides media management, reporting and administrative tools aimed at protecting Web sites from pornography, copyrighted material and inappropriate user content that may harm their brand.