Microsoft has announced the beta release of Soapbox on MSN Video, a user-uploaded video service like YouTube and Google Video . 

Like YouTube, as well as the user-generated video hubs managed by Yahoo and Google, Soapbox will help users easily post whatever videos they’d like on the site, while also allowing searches of 15 content channels. One difference between this and YouTube is that Soapbox will autodetect your browser, and if you’re using IE, it will stream video to you using Windows Media instead of Flash for Firefox or Opera. Soapbox will be integrated with Live Spaces, Microsoft’s blogging platform.

Soapbox will be initially available by invitation only during a beta test period that extends through January or February 2007, according to MSN.  Those interested in participating in the beta can sign up for the waiting list now at http://soapbox.msn.com. Access to the beta will expand over time by enabling existing beta testers to invite a limited number of friends. The beta of Soapbox on MSN Video is available to users of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or later running on Windows XP and Firefox 1.0.5 or later running on Windows XP or Macintosh OS X.

MSN is somewhat late to the online video phenomenon. Google Video debuted at the outset of this year to mixed reviews, while Yahoo Video launched in June. Most likely, the Microsoft-owned portal will attempt to use the size and popularity of MSN Video, one of the Web’s most trafficked video sites (reaching 11 million unique monthly users, according to MSN), to push users to Soapbox.

The video-sharing market has proved increasingly popular with users in the last 12 months with services such as YouTube crossing over into mainstream success.

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