If you want to experiment with online video, an easy platform to get started is 12seconds.tv. Currently you need to apply for an invitation to 12seconds.tv then it's easy to get your profile set up.

As you set up your profile, consider how you want to be known. I usually recommend that you use the same name across all social networks so that your online friends can easily find you.

The one problem I did have with 12seconds.tv was uploading my avatar so I have used a different image to my usual photograph for my personal profile and channel on 12seconds.tv.

The interesting thing about 12seconds.tv is that just like it says in it's domain name, you only have 12 seconds to share your message. Personally I think creating a 12second.tv message is more challenging than a microblog post of 140 characters if you want to deliver a meaningful message.

You can record your video message on 12seconds.tv with your webcam or as I did for my first post, using a mobile phone with a video (mine is a VERY old Nokia 6230i - it must be at least 5 years old).

12seconds.tv is also a social network so you can connect to your friends an add comments to their online video's.

I think 12seconds has a huge potential in helping us express ourselves through online video and provides the opportunity for us to experiment and develop our communication skills, and as with many social media platforms it's free to use.

Article by Krishna De and courtesy of Biz Growth News blog