Animoto Review 2025: Create Stunning Videos Easily

Animoto feels like using a flip phone in 2025.

While it creates basic slideshow videos easily, you’ll face auto-renewal billing nightmares, dated templates from 2015, zero phone support, and expensive pricing for limited features.

Here is a brutally honest Animoto Review.

The company’s predatory billing practices alone make this a hard pass. Better alternatives like modern AI-powered content creation tools (including platforms like Autoposting.ai for LinkedIn content) offer superior automation, current design trends, and honest business practices.

Bottom Line: Save your money. Animoto fails the Delta 4 test miserably – it’s maybe 1.5 points better than free alternatives, nowhere near the 4+ improvement needed to justify switching.

What is Animoto? The 2006 Time Capsule

Animoto launched in 2006 as one of the first online video makers. Think about that for a second – this platform predates the iPhone, Twitter’s popularity, and basically everything that defines modern social media.

The concept is simple: upload photos and video clips, pick a template, add music, and get a slideshow-style video. It’s like PowerPoint’s cousin who got into video editing but never grew up.

Founded by Tom Clifton, Jason Hsiao, Stevie Clifton, and Brand Jefferson, Animoto positioned itself as the “easy” video editor for people who found real editing software too complex.

The reality in 2025? It’s like driving a horse-drawn carriage on a highway.

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Who Created Animoto?

Animoto was founded in 2006 by four co-founders: Jason Hsiao, Brad Jefferson, Stevie Clifton, and Tom Clifton.

They wanted to make video creation easy for everyone.

Their vision was to turn pictures and video clips into a professional-looking Animoto memory with the right video feel.

They believed that making and sharing videos should be simple, not a chore.

They even offered a free version to help people get started.

How Animoto Works (Or Doesn’t)

The Basic Process

1. Upload Content: Drag photos/videos from your computer or cloud storage

2. Choose Template: Pick from hundreds of outdated designs

3. Add Music: Select from their limited library or upload your own

4. Customize Text: Basic text overlays and titles

5. Export: Download or share your creation

Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. Too simple.

The Interface: Stuck in 2010

The moment you log into Animoto, you’re hit with an interface that screams “early millennium” (as TechRadar perfectly described it). The wireframe buttons and minimalist design aren’t charmingly retro – they’re just old.

Compare this to modern content creation tools where AI can analyze trending topics and generate engaging content automatically (like what Autoposting.ai does for LinkedIn), and Animoto feels like digital archaeology.

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The Brutal Truth: What’s Wrong with Animoto

1. Templates That Time Forgot

Let’s be honest – Animoto’s templates look like they were designed when YouTube was still figuring out what it wanted to be.

The Problem:

• Most templates scream “2015 corporate presentation”

• Limited customization options

• No modern design trends (flat design, bold typography, dynamic layouts)

• Color schemes that feel dated

Real User Feedback: “If I had known how dated the templates would look and the lack of functionality and customization, I wouldn’t have bothered testing it out.” – Jared D., Executive Director

2. The Auto-Renewal Nightmare

This is where Animoto’s business model becomes genuinely predatory. The company has perfected the art of subscription trapping.

How They Trap You:

• Heavy discounts on annual plans vs. monthly (clever psychological manipulation)

• Auto-renewal is mandatory – you can’t use prepaid service without it

• No phone support to cancel

• “No refund” policy that’s rigidly enforced

• Charges process with minimal notification

Real Horror Stories:

From Better Business Bureau complaints:

• User charged for 15 months after thinking they cancelled

• $600+ in surprise charges since 2021

• Customer support offers only “credit codes” instead of refunds

The Scam Revealed: If you turn off auto-renewal after being charged, you can’t use the service you’ve already paid for. This forces users to keep auto-renewal on, hoping they remember to cancel before the next charge.

3. Customer Service in the Stone Age

Want to call Animoto? Good luck. They’ve eliminated phone support entirely.

Support Limitations:

• Email-only support (response times vary wildly)

• No live chat

• Phone numbers on review sites disconnect when answered

• Support agents trained to deny refunds, not solve problems

This isn’t just inconvenient – it’s deliberately designed to make cancellation difficult.

4. Pricing That Doesn’t Make Sense

Plan

Price

What You Get

Reality Check

Free

$0

720p, watermarked videos 

Barely usable

Basic

$8/month

1080p, no watermark 

Still limited templates

Professional

$15/month

More templates, Getty access 

Expensive for basic features

Business

$39/month

Team features, analytics 

Adobe Premiere costs less

Value Analysis: For $39/month, you could get Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Premiere Pro, After Effects, and 20+ professional tools. Animoto’s pricing model relies on people not doing the math.

5. Feature Limitations That Hurt

What’s Missing:

• Advanced editing controls

• Modern transitions and effects

• AI-powered content suggestions

• Trend analysis and research capabilities

• Cross-platform optimization

• Team collaboration features

• Decent analytics

What You Get Instead:

• Basic drag-and-drop

• Template selection

• Music addition

• Text overlays

It’s like buying a sports car that only drives in first gear.

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The Delta 4 Framework Test: Does Animoto Pass?

The Delta 4 Framework states that new products must be at least 4 points better (on a 10-point scale) than current solutions to trigger habit change.

Animoto’s Delta Score: 1.5/10

Comparison Breakdown:

Old Way (Free alternatives like iMovie, Canva):

• Free or low-cost

• Modern templates

• Regular updates

• No billing traps

Animoto Way:

• Paid subscription with auto-renewal

• Dated templates

• Stagnant development

• Customer service nightmare

The Verdict: Animoto doesn’t even come close to the Delta 4 threshold. It’s not just failing to be 4x better – it’s often worse than free alternatives.

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Real User Experiences: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

The Few Positives

From legitimate user reviews:

Diana A. (Technology Teacher): “I have used it for over 10 years to create my end of year slideshows! The automation in Animoto and ease of use.”

Jayne O. (Digital Communications Specialist): “It is so much fun to create using Animoto. My staff and I are always experimenting with different messaging.”

The Overwhelming Negatives

Billing Horror Stories:

• “Terrible. Ripped off for a renewal when I haven’t even logged in for over 10 months.” – Warren H.

• “They autorenew your account with no warning and will not refund.” – Tracy F.

• “I discovered today that Animoto has been charging me a $29 monthly subscription fee since 2021, resulting in more than $600 in charges.” – BBB Complaint

Product Quality Issues:

• “The overall app seems a bit expensive for what you get. The templates themselves appear very dated.” – Melissa S.

• “There are free video editors that vastly exceed the features of this rudimentary interface.” – Real user review

Pattern Recognition

The pattern is clear: long-term users from the early days appreciate the simplicity, but new users in 2025 find it lacking compared to modern alternatives.

Personal Experience with Animoto

My team had to produce a large number of videos for our social media pages.

We had a ton of photos and clips from a recent event.

We tried a few different tools, but they were all too hard to use.

Then we found Animoto. We used it to create short, fun videos that told the story of our event.

The best part was how fast we could make them.

We didn’t have to spend a lot of time learning a new program.

The videos came out great, and our followers loved them.

Here’s how Animoto helped us:

• Easy to use: We could drag and drop our photos.

• Fast creation: We made a video in minutes, not hours.

• Great music: We added music to make the videos more exciting.

• Professional look: The videos looked like they a professional made.

• Saved money: We didn’t have to hire someone to make the videos.

• Sharing was simple: We could post them to social media right away.

Better Alternatives: What Actually Works in 2025

1. Autoposting.ai (For LinkedIn Content)

Best for: Professional content creators, LinkedIn marketing

Why It’s Better:

• AI analyzes trending topics automatically

• Creates engaging content tailored to your industry

• Intelligent scheduling at peak engagement times

• No billing traps or auto-renewal nightmares

• Modern approach to content creation

Delta Score: 7/10 (genuinely revolutionary for LinkedIn content)

2. Canva Video

Best for: Social media content, quick edits

Advantages:

• Free tier with substantial features

• Modern, constantly updated templates

• AI-powered design suggestions

• Transparent pricing

• Multi-platform optimization

3. Loom

Best for: Screen recordings, business communication

Why Choose This:

• Instant recording and sharing

• Cloud-based with modern interface

• Transparent business model

• Active development and updates

4. InVideo

Best for: Marketing videos, social content

Advantages:

• AI content generation

• Modern templates updated regularly

• Reasonable pricing structure

• No predatory billing practices

5. Adobe Premiere Rush

Best for: Professional-quality mobile editing

Why It Works:

• Professional tools in simple interface

• Regular updates and new features

• Honest pricing model

• Cross-device synchronization

Try Animoto for FREE

The Content Creation Revolution: Why Animoto Feels Ancient

Modern Standards vs. Animoto

2025 Content Creation Expectations:

• AI-powered research and trend analysis

• Automated optimization for different platforms

• Real-time collaboration features

• Advanced analytics and performance tracking

• Integration with existing workflows

What Animoto Offers:

• Template selection from 2015

• Basic drag-and-drop

• Minimal customization

• No AI assistance

• No trend awareness

The AI Advantage

While Animoto requires manual everything, modern platforms like Autoposting.ai use artificial intelligence to:

• Research trending topics in your industry

• Create content that matches your brand voice

• Optimize posting times for maximum engagement

• Adapt content for different platforms automatically

This isn’t just convenience – it’s a completely different approach to content creation that delivers measurably better results.

Animoto vs. Modern Competition: Feature Showdown

Feature

Animoto

Modern AI Tools

Free Alternatives

Template Quality

 Dated

 Current trends

 Regularly updated

AI Assistance

 None

 Full automation

 Basic AI features

Pricing Transparency

 Hidden traps

 Clear pricing

 Free/freemium

Customer Support

 Email only

 Multiple channels

 Community support

Platform Optimization

 Basic

 Multi-platform

 Platform-specific

Collaboration

 Limited

 Real-time

 Team features

Analytics

 Basic

 Advanced insights

 Performance tracking

Updates

 Slow

 Continuous

 Regular

Value for Money

 Poor

 Excellent

 Free

The Hidden Costs: What Animoto Doesn’t Tell You

Beyond the Subscription

Additional Costs:

• Getty Images access (premium plans only)

• Extended video lengths (plan restrictions)

• Team member additions (business plan needed)

• Export quality upgrades

• Customer support priority (implicit premium)

Opportunity Costs

Time Wasted:

• Learning an outdated interface

• Working with limited templates

• Manual research and content planning

• Dealing with billing issues

• Finding workarounds for missing features

Better Investment: That same time invested in learning modern tools like AI-powered content creation platforms will pay dividends for years. While Animoto keeps you trapped in 2015, competitors help you build skills relevant to 2025 and beyond.

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Industry Analysis: Where Animoto Stands in 2025

Market Position

Animoto occupies a shrinking niche: users who want video creation simpler than professional tools but are willing to pay premium prices for basic features.

The Problem: This niche is being eliminated by:

• Free tools getting more sophisticated

• Professional tools becoming more accessible

• AI making complex tasks simple

• Better alternatives at every price point

Competitive Landscape

Winners:

• AI-powered content creators (like Autoposting.ai for LinkedIn)

• Free tools with premium features (Canva)

• Professional tools with simple interfaces (Adobe Rush)

• Specialized platforms for specific use cases

Losers:

• Outdated platforms charging premium for basic features

• Companies with predatory billing practices

• Tools that haven’t evolved with user expectations

Future Outlook

Animoto’s business model depends on user inertia and billing confusion rather than product excellence. This isn’t sustainable in a market where:

• AI democratizes content creation

• Users become more sophisticated

• Alternatives multiply rapidly

• Billing transparency becomes standard

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Who Might Still Consider Animoto (And Why They Shouldn’t)

Potential Users

Educators with Existing Workflows: Teachers who’ve used Animoto for years might consider staying for familiarity.

Why They Should Switch: Educational budgets are tight. Free alternatives like Canva offer better templates, more features, and honest pricing.

Small Businesses Wanting “Simple”: Companies might choose Animoto thinking it’s easier than professional tools.

Why They Should Switch: Modern AI tools like Autoposting.ai actually make content creation simpler through automation, not feature limitation.

Content Creators Avoiding Complexity: Some creators prefer limited options to avoid decision paralysis.

Why They Should Switch: Limited options don’t eliminate complexity – they create frustration when you need features that don’t exist.

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The Billing Trap: How to Escape If You’re Already Caught

If You’re Currently Subscribed

Immediate Actions:

1. Log into your account

2. Go to billing settings

3. Turn off auto-renewal NOW

4. Document the date you disabled it

5. Set calendar reminders before renewal date

If You Can’t Access Settings:

• Email support immediately

• Document all communication

• Threaten BBB complaint if necessary

• Contact your credit card company

If You’ve Been Charged Incorrectly

Step-by-Step Recovery:

1. Email Animoto support with specific dates

2. Request full refund citing unused service

3. If denied, escalate to Better Business Bureau

4. File credit card dispute if necessary

5. Document everything for potential class action

Reality Check: You may not get your money back, but you can prevent future charges and warn others.

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The Content Creator’s Dilemma: Time vs. Quality

Why People Choose Animoto

The Appeal:

• “Quick and easy”

• No learning curve

• Template-based creation

• One-stop solution

Why This Thinking is Flawed

Modern Reality:

• AI makes sophisticated tools just as easy

• Learning modern tools pays long-term dividends

• Template limitations create generic content

• All-in-one often means master-of-none

Better Approach

Strategic Content Creation:

1. Research: Use AI to identify trending topics (what Autoposting.ai excels at)

2. Create: Use modern tools with current templates

3. Optimize: Leverage platform-specific features

4. Analyze: Track performance and improve

5. Automate: Systematic scheduling and distribution

This approach takes slightly more initial effort but delivers exponentially better results.

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Social Media Evolution: Why Animoto Missed the Boat

What Changed Since 2006

Platform Evolution:

• TikTok didn’t exist

• Instagram was photo-only

• LinkedIn was just professional networking

• YouTube was amateur-focused

Content Expectations:

• Higher visual standards

• Platform-specific optimization

• Real-time relevance

• Interactive elements

User Sophistication:

• Audiences recognize dated content instantly

• Attention spans shortened

• Quality expectations increased

• Authenticity became crucial

Animoto’s Response: Basically Nothing

While the world evolved, Animoto stayed frozen in time. They added a few features here and there, but the core experience remains stuck in the YouTube infancy era.

Modern Content Creation Requirements:

• AI-powered trend analysis

• Platform-specific optimization

• Real-time performance data

• Cross-platform synchronization

• Automated scheduling intelligence

Animoto’s Offerings:

• Template selection

• Basic editing

• Music addition

• Export options

It’s like bringing a calculator to a smartphone fight.

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The Psychology Behind Animoto’s Business Model

Why People Get Trapped

Cognitive Biases Exploited:

• Sunk Cost Fallacy: “I already paid, might as well use it”

• Loss Aversion: “Canceling means losing access”

• Status Quo Bias: “Easier to stick with what I know”

• Planning Fallacy: “I’ll definitely cancel before renewal”

The Subscription Trap Engineering

How They Do It:

1. Discount annual plans heavily

2. Make monthly plans feel expensive

3. Require auto-renewal for service access

4. Make cancellation difficult

5. Offer “credits” instead of refunds

6. Eliminate easy contact methods

The Psychology: Once you’re paying, the pain of staying feels less than the pain of canceling and losing access. It’s subscription quicksand.

Technical Analysis: Why Animoto Lags Behind

Platform Architecture

Animoto’s Limitations:

• Browser-based only (no mobile app editing)

• Limited export options

• No API for integration

• Basic analytics

• No collaboration features

Modern Competitors:

• Cross-device synchronization

• Advanced export options

• Integration capabilities

• Sophisticated analytics

• Real-time collaboration

Performance Issues

User-Reported Problems:

• Slow video previews

• Low-quality exports

• Loading delays

• Limited resolution options

• Export processing time

Why This Matters: In 2025, users expect instant feedback and high-quality outputs. Animoto’s technical infrastructure wasn’t built for modern expectations.

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Content Marketing Reality Check: What Actually Works

The Animoto Approach

Process:

1. Pick template

2. Upload content

3. Add music

4. Export

5. Post manually

Results:

• Generic-looking content

• No trend awareness

• Manual everything

• Limited optimization

The Modern Approach

AI-Powered Process (like Autoposting.ai):

1. AI researches trending topics

2. Creates industry-specific content

3. Optimizes for platform algorithms

4. Schedules at peak engagement times

5. Tracks performance automatically

Results:

• Trend-aware content

• Higher engagement rates

• Time savings

• Better ROI

The Difference: One approach creates content, the other creates strategy.

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Red Flags: Warning Signs You Should Avoid Animoto

Business Practice Red Flags

 No phone support (deliberately making contact difficult)
Rigid no-refund policy (even for same-day cancellations)
Auto-renewal required for service access (subscription hostage situation)
Misleading discount practices (psychological manipulation)
Poor Better Business Bureau ratings (consistent complaint patterns)

Product Quality Red Flags

 Templates unchanged for years (stagnant development)
No AI features (ignoring modern capabilities)
Limited customization (creative constraints)
Poor export quality (technical limitations)
No trend integration (content relevance issues)

User Experience Red Flags

 Dated interface (poor user experience design)
Limited collaboration (team workflow problems)
Basic analytics (no performance insights)
Platform restrictions (can’t optimize for specific networks)
No mobile editing (accessibility limitations)

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Billing Practices Investigation

Pattern of Complaints:

• BBB: Multiple complaints about unauthorized charges

• Sitejabber: 1.4/5 stars with billing horror stories

• Capterra: Users calling it a “scam company”

• Consumer advocacy sites: Consistent warning patterns

Potential Legal Issues:

• Unfair billing practices

• Difficulty canceling services

• Misleading renewal notifications

• Consumer protection violations

Class Action Potential

Multiple reviewers have mentioned willingness to join class action lawsuits. The pattern of billing complaints suggests systematic issues rather than isolated incidents.

If You’re Affected:

• Document all charges and communications

• File complaints with relevant consumer protection agencies

• Consider consulting with consumer protection attorneys

• Connect with other affected users through review platforms

The Future of Video Content Creation

Where the Industry is Going

2025 Trends:

• AI-generated content becomes mainstream

• Platform-specific optimization essential

• Real-time trend integration

• Cross-platform publishing automation

• Advanced analytics and optimization

What This Means: Tools like Animoto that haven’t evolved will become increasingly irrelevant as AI-powered alternatives make sophisticated content creation accessible to everyone.

Survival Strategy for Content Creators

Don’t Get Left Behind:

1. Learn modern, AI-assisted tools

2. Understand platform-specific optimization

3. Embrace automation for efficiency

4. Focus on strategic rather than tactical work

5. Stay current with content trends

The Animoto Trap: Using outdated tools doesn’t just waste money – it keeps you behind while competitors advance with modern capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Animoto

Is Animoto worth it in 2025?

No. Animoto fails to meet modern content creation standards and uses predatory billing practices. Free alternatives like Canva offer better templates, and AI-powered tools like Autoposting.ai provide superior automation and results.

Can I cancel Animoto easily?

No. Animoto deliberately makes cancellation difficult by requiring you to keep auto-renewal on to use prepaid services and offering only email support. Many users report difficulty canceling and unexpected charges.

Are Animoto templates modern?

No. Most templates look dated, resembling designs from 2015 or earlier. Users consistently complain about the outdated appearance compared to modern design standards.

What’s the biggest problem with Animoto?

The billing practices. Users report surprise charges, difficulty canceling, no refund policies, and auto-renewal traps that continue charging even when the service isn’t used.

Is there a better alternative to Animoto?

Yes, multiple alternatives exist. For general video editing: Canva, InVideo, or Adobe Rush. For LinkedIn content specifically: Autoposting.ai offers AI-powered research and automation that far exceeds Animoto’s capabilities.

Does Animoto offer refunds?

Rarely. Their official policy is “no refunds,” though they occasionally offer partial refunds or credit codes after complaints escalate to the Better Business Bureau.

Can I use Animoto for business?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended. The dated templates, limited features, and billing issues make it unsuitable for professional use compared to modern alternatives.

How does Animoto compare to free tools?

Free tools like Canva often offer better templates, more features, and superior user experience. Animoto’s main “advantage” is name recognition from being an early player in the market.

Is Animoto’s customer service good?

No. They offer email-only support with slow response times and representatives trained to deny refunds rather than solve problems. No phone support is available.

Does Animoto have AI features?

No significant AI capabilities. While modern competitors offer AI-powered content creation, trend analysis, and optimization, Animoto remains largely unchanged since its 2006 launch.

Can I create professional videos with Animoto?

You can create basic slideshow videos, but they often look dated and unprofessional compared to content created with modern tools. The template limitations severely restrict creative options.

What file formats does Animoto support?

Basic video formats for export, but with limitations on quality and resolution depending on your plan. Modern alternatives typically offer more format options and better quality.

Is Animoto secure?

While not a security risk per se, their billing practices and difficulty canceling subscriptions raise concerns about business ethics and user protection.

How much does Animoto really cost?

Plans start at $8/month, but hidden costs include auto-renewal traps, limited features requiring upgrades, and opportunity costs from using outdated tools instead of more effective alternatives.

Can I collaborate with team members on Animoto?

Limited collaboration features compared to modern alternatives. Most team-friendly video creation platforms offer real-time collaboration, commenting, and version control.

Does Animoto work on mobile?

Basic mobile access through browsers, but no dedicated mobile editing app. Modern competitors typically offer full-featured mobile applications.

What happens if I don’t pay Animoto?

They’ll continue attempting to charge your card and may send your account to collections. This is another reason to cancel properly rather than just stopping payment.

Can I download my Animoto videos?

Yes, but quality and format options depend on your subscription level. Free accounts get watermarked videos with limited resolution.

Is Animoto good for social media?

Not particularly. The templates don’t reflect current social media design trends, and there’s no platform-specific optimization or AI assistance for content strategy.

How long has Animoto been around?

Since 2006, which explains why it feels outdated. While longevity can indicate stability, in this case, it reveals a company that hasn’t evolved with changing user needs and technology capabilities.

Try Animoto for FREE

Final Verdict: Skip Animoto, Choose Modern Alternatives

The Brutal Bottom Line

Animoto represents everything wrong with legacy SaaS: outdated features, predatory billing, poor customer service, and resistance to innovation. In 2025, using Animoto is like insisting on a flip phone because you’re afraid of smartphones.

What You Should Do Instead

For LinkedIn Content: Use AI-powered tools like Autoposting.ai that research trends, create engaging content, and optimize posting schedules automatically.

For General Video Content: Choose modern alternatives like Canva, InVideo, or Adobe Rush that offer current templates, transparent pricing, and active development.

For Quick Social Videos: Try free tools first – they often exceed Animoto’s capabilities without the billing nightmares.

The Real Cost of Choosing Animoto

• Financial: Overpriced for limited features, billing traps, difficulty getting refunds

• Creative: Dated templates that make your content look unprofessional

• Strategic: Missing AI capabilities that competitors use for better results

• Time: Manual processes that modern tools automate

• Opportunity: Using outdated tools while competitors advance with AI

Why This Matters

In content marketing, your tools shape your results. Using Animoto in 2025 isn’t just inefficient – it actively holds you back while competitors leverage AI for superior content creation, trend analysis, and audience engagement.

The choice is clear: Evolve with modern tools or get left behind with outdated platforms that prioritize subscription revenue over user success.

Don’t let nostalgia or fear of change trap you in a platform designed to extract money rather than deliver value. Your content – and your wallet – deserve better.

Save yourself the headache. Skip Animoto. Choose tools built for 2025, not 2006.

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