Posted by Phil Butler on January 18th, 2008

Magnify just announced that they are going to offer open source graphics development to online channel builders. Magnify is one of the most promising video curation services of Web 2.0 and their updates continue to add value to an already great innovation. This new Graphic Share Library (GSL) allows users of the Magnify.net community to create, share, and use elements from open source content submitted by other members.

Though sophisticated the sharing space is simple to use, as are all Magnify features to date. This newest addition to Magnify's rich platform is perfect for sites that have designed complex templates with color themes, graphic backgrounds, new icons and new CSS tweaks. With the "Share This Template" tool other channel builders can remix the work of other members. This addition to the Magnify arsenal could be a shot in the arm for site designers who are used to struggling with customization. Given enough user generated video, and with Magnify's massive traffic why not, graphic sharing has been sorely needed on Web 2.0.

Magnify is kicking off this launch by unveiling a 75 element Graphics Bonus Pack and entirely new templates and graphical elements that include channel grapics for: sports, food, politics, adventure sports, gambling and newspaper sites. Site builders will now have access to a new graphic tab within the GSL that allows for site specific graphics to be uploaded within the site owner's pages. This powerful new addition includes; images, photographic, profile pictures and an easy way to store and access site graphics. All in all another powerful set of features for the multitude of Magnify users.

I loved Magnify the moment I saw it and since my early explorations into the startup they have added over 25,000 new content publishers. Magnify is the fastest growing video platform on the Web at the moment, and it is easy to se why. CEO Steve Rosenbaum has this to say: "We are moving into a world where people have to tools and the ability to create together, and share their creations. The decision to provide an Open Source space for channel graphics and elements is just the first step in what we expect to be an emerging trend."

From Webcam capture to the current upgrade, Magnify continues to add value for their users. Open source content added to their already effective scope of features will certainly expand the Magnify network substantially and Rosenbaum certainly seems to be applying those lessons learned from creating MTV Unfiltered. I can‘ wait to see what is next for Magnify - I love being right about startups!