Rival mobile operators O2 and 3UK are merging their user-generated video clip sites into one portal called ‘EyeVibe’, available to anyone with a video-enabled mobile phone regardless of network. The site, currently under construction and due to go live later this month, will allow users to upload their own short videos to the service and earn a small slice of the revenue generated every time they are viewed by another user.

The move will create the UK’s first cross-network social networking service aimed specifically at mobile phone users. 3 pioneered the mobile user-generated content market with the launch of SeeMeTV in October 2005, whilst O2 launched its version called LookAtMe the following year. Together the two services have attracted 60,000 video clips which have been downloaded more than 32 million times, creating total revenue for users of more than £800,000. EyeVibe will be backed by an advertising campaign worth over £1 million. The Guardian reports that the UK’s other mobile operators – Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange – have been invited to join the service.