A method for sharing video over a structured hierarchical network comprising:a first server system receiving a first video file in a first format from a first client via the structured hierarchical network;the first server system creating a second video file in a second format by converting at least a portion of the first video file from the first format to the second format, independent from receiving a command from the first client to perform such conversion;the first server system storing the first video file and the second video file;the first server system generating an identifier for video content corresponding to the first video file and the second video file;the first server system receiving a request to stream the identified video content to a second server system or a second client via the structured hierarchical network;the first server system sending the stored first video file or the stored second video file corresponding to the identified video content to the second server system or the second client via the structured hierarchical network depending on a compatibility of the second server system or a compatibility of the second client with the first format or the second format; andthe first server system sending an advertisement for display with the identified video content sent in the stored first video file or the stored second video file. view more

The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement is a non-static image.

The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement is selected based on the second client.

The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement is stored in a third video file.

The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement is sent to the second client concurrent with the sending of the stored first video file or the stored second video file.

The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement includes an Internet link.