Future of video calling is porn

Video calling has always been something of a white elephant for operators, never really finding its feet: after all, the idea of exposing yourself to the person ringing you, warts and all, on video isn’t the most appealing prospect for most people. Of course, other people would happily pay to see that – leading analysts to suggest that the future of video calling is nudity.

Juniper Research says revenues from adult video chat are going to skyrocket and end up being worth $1.5 billion by 2012. While Juniper notes that uptake is low, monthly spend among users is very high – up to 10 or 20 times higher than for other adult services.

And not only are adult video callers not price sensitive, they’re very loyal – coming back “to the same hostess” for more repeatedly and “developing a virtual relationship with her”. Given porn is the usually the first service to be found on any new technology, I’m surprised this hasn’t taken off to a greater degree already.