Google may be preparing to charge for streaming video from its site, writes MediaPost. It cites an apparent hiccup in a couple of videos that allowed a peek yesterday into what might be behind-the-scenes goings on; a message superimposed on the videos, asking users to pay if they want to view the full-length versions, even though those versions were available without charge.

Google Video head Jennifer Feikin reportedly said at a conference last month that a pay-per-view model, with content owners setting the price, is in the offing.

According to speculation, a micropayment system dubbed Google Wallet may be used by downloaders to pay for, and uploaders to receive payment for (with Google getting a cut), the videos that are viewed.