The recent news that YouTube is working with Verizon to bring a selection of YouTube content to cell phones is striking some as more evidence that YouTube as you know it is dead.

YouTube’s phone-based version will require a $15-a-month subscription to a Verizon Wireless service called VCast. VCast users will be able to view a selected number of videos approved by the companies.

To many, the idea of paying for a censored version of YouTube is unappealing.

“The thought that Verizon would decide what YouTube video gets shown on the mobile makes me shudder,” said Om Malik.
Or as CrunchGear’s Vince Veneziani said, ” Oh hell yeah, videos of mentos and diet coke and cats running around. Just what I wanted.”

The growth of mobile services has been crippled by three generations of mobile devices that are designed to limit your ability to put content on them. This has created opportunities for new types of devices, like Apple’s iPod, that can easily be loaded with content.

This approach has served the mobile industry well, protecting their existing service business, but is likely to leave them vulnerable as other mobile devices gain wireless services.