Verizon Wireless has added a user-generated video-sharing social network to its mobile offerings.

The carrier tapped FunMobility, a provider of wireless community and media services, to launch America's Best Mobile Flix, or aFlix, the first interactive video-sharing service and mobile social network. The aFlix service will let Verizon Wireless customers create unique mobile video experiences and share user-generated content with other mobile phone consumers across multiple carrier networks.

"We wanted to build on the success we've had with America's Best Mobile Pix with a video product," said Adam Lavine, CEO of FunMobility, Pleasanton, CA. "We're keeping what's worked with aPix and adding video to the mix.

"We also recognized the technical solution was key, so we make it super-easy for consumers to capture and share videos in just a few clicks with aFlix.TV," he said. "FunMobility has a long and successful history partnering with Verizon Wireless."

Using aFlix, Verizon Wireless customers who have phones with video capabilities can share their mobile videos.

Customers can upload videos into categories such as Comedy, Kids Vids, Crazy Pets and Sports Hijinks, or create a profile with their videos and share public or private messages with other members.

Customers can also review, comment, rate and share every video on aFlix from their mobile phone.
Videos with higher ratings are featured in a special "best videos" category every month.

Customers are automatically presented with the highest-rated video they have not yet seen when they open the aFLIX application on their phones.

"We think the target demographic for aFlix.TV will be similar to aPix, where we get a core base of 18-25-year-olds, and then a smaller subset of 26-35-year-olds also using the service," Mr. Lavine said.

The FunMobility aFlix service will run alongside its existing America's Best Mobile Pix application, or aPix, FunMobility's photo-sharing service that generates more than 20 million mobile impression votes per month.

FunMo.com will power the aFlix application, which can be downloaded directly from Verizon's Get It Now or Media Center for a $4.99 subscription.

Additionally, aFlix is available on FunMobility's direct-to-consumer Web site at http://www.funmo.com.

FunMobility claims to deliver an integrated mobile entertainment experience through mobile multimedia applications and content that let consumers connect and express themselves through mobile photos, videos, music, graphics and slideshows.

FunMobility distributes their applications and content through every North American carrier, as well as direct to consumers through FunMo.com.

FunMobility's wireless applications including Wallpaper Universe, America's Best Mobile Pix, YouTones, aFlix: Share ur Vids, MyShow, Ringtones Universe, TrueTones Universe, FunGirl DISH, Chick Talk, Mobile Comics Network, Personalized Wallpaper, MyScreenz, MyTonz and FunMobility Animated Greetings.

Verizon Wireless' wireless voice and data network claims 70.8 million customers, making it the No. 2 U.S. carrier, although the Alltel acquisition catapults it to the top spot ahead of rival AT&T.

Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone.

The new social networking platform is capable of supporting both a subscription model and mobile advertising.

FunMobility is working on an advertising-supported version, which the company expects to announce sometime in 2009.

FunMobility's aFlix.TV runs on approximately 35 handsets, including new models like the Chocolate 3 and touchscreens like the LG Dare.

The company is currently working on supporting Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices as well.

"We will be promoting the service from our Web site FunMo.com as well as working with Verizon to find other marketing initiatives," Mr. Lavine said. "We're hoping to run a 'best mobile video' promotion in 2009 that promotes usage and sharing of mobile videos.

"We're also considering a direct-publishing option for video sharing sites like YouTube," he said.