12seconds releases an API, complete with launch partners

Microblogging meets video startup 12seconds has today released an official API, opening up the service to third party tools and sites.

For those not familiar with the service, 12seconds does exactly as the name suggests, you get 12seconds to say your peace, a sort of mix between Twitter and Seesmic.

As part of the release, 12seconds has tried “to anticipate how, when and why you might want to utilize 12seconds” although caution that they probably haven’t thought of everything. The commitment to progressing the API includes feedback and transparent communication in development, so third party providers can equally take part.

In a positive for 12seconds, the API launches with a number of release partners. The list includes AIR client TweetDeck, who will support playback from within their client. Micro review site Blippr has integrated 12seconds into their product to allow users to record a 12second video review in tandem with a 160 character text review. UK based Seesmic competitor Phreadz now supports importing any 12second video.

One thing I will say about 12seconds is that it has quickly defined itself in the sea of microblogging noise. 12seconds may not be enough for some people to express what they have to say, but the service captures the original spirit of Twitter in a video format.