Content and usability will determine how each site fares. I agree that Hulu is much more attractive and has a higher quality video player. However, YouTube has a huge advantage of having a much larger visitor base because they host almost any kind of video and were one of the first sites to do so. This is what allows them to take the chance of adding television shows and movies. I, personally, think deviating from their niche of user-generated videos is a mistake, but I don’t necessarily see them losing many viewers to Hulu.

I disagree that Hulu initially did well largely because of its design. As a designer, I would like to think that, but Hulu one of the first sites to offer cross-network television shows and the first to strike deals with those networks. I think design certainly helped Hulu to rise to the top and make those deals, but it’s not why it is such a big name in the online video industry. Content will always be most important and it is design that makes that content accessible and easier to function.

I think if either site should worry about competition within the television/film business, it should be Netflix. They already offer online viewing in addition to their regular “hard-copy” subscription service. With their partnerships with Xbox, etc., you don’t even need a computer to watch videos online. Their site is well-designed as well, so it’s evident that design certainly plays a factor in the success of all of these businesses.