How Video Saved the World: Redefining Digital Inclusion through Video Content

In the hallowed halls of tech conferences and policy meeting, digital inclusion is often discussed in hushed, serious tones. Conversation often revolves around essential services like banking, healthcare, and government access. And while these services are undoubtedly crucial, they often overlook a vibrant force that is changing how the world connects: video content.

There are many who dismiss video content as a mere distraction. After all, dance videos seem at odds with the noble narrative of bridging the digital divide that policymakers and tech leaders like to focus on. But it is time to rethink this perception and acknowledge the value that it can bring.

Access to video content is not just about entertainment, it is a powerful pathway to learning, connection, and cultural participation. And as frivolous as they may seem, those viral dance videos help provide a cultural currency. When a teenager masters the latest dance trend, he is not just having fun; he is participating in a global conversation, honing digital skills, and even gaining social cachet that may translate into real-world opportunities.

Rather than trivialising this medium, it is time we fully embrace its potential to educate and empower. Digital inclusion is not just about access to information, it is about full participation in digital society. This includes the right to create, share, and enjoy content that brings fulfilment and connection.

Recognising the power of video content, CloudMosa’s Cloud Phone is leading the charge in making this medium accessible to everyone. Through cloud technologies, Cloud Phone ensures that even low-end devices can deliver high-quality video experience, enabling users to interact with media-rich apps like YouTube Shorts. We are ensuring that the next billion users are not just connected, but truly empowered. By embracing a more holistic view of digital inclusion — one that values both practical applications and social enjoyment — we can create a more engaging and sustainable path to digital empowerment for all.

Our successful pilot in India underscores this philosophy, with the popularity of YouTube Shorts among users. This short-form video platform has become a favourite, demonstrating the strong demand for accessible, bite-sized video content.

With Cloud Phone, users can access a wide range of educational videos, from academic subjects to practical skills. For instance, a student can learn math concepts through engaging tutorials, while an aspiring entrepreneur can watch videos on business management. Statistics support the effectiveness of video learning. Studies indicate that viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text. This highlights the potential of video content to enhance learning and skills development.

Moreover, why should we look down on entertainment as a part of digital inclusion? The ability to relax, laugh, and connect through shared experiences is a fundamental human need, not a luxury. A farmer who watches educational videos on crop management might also enjoy a comedy sketch or a music video — and there is value in both.

In the end, perhaps the key to bridging the digital divide is not found in boardrooms or policy papers. It might just be hiding in plain sight, in the joyful, addictive, and surprisingly educational world of short-form video content. And that is a reality worth dancing about.