Not to be confused with Google's Click-to-Play Video ads, which are simply adverts in film format, Google is soon expected to launch Google AdSense supported videos. These will effectively be advertisements inserted into online video clips, such as music videos.Over the last few months, Google have been busy running tests to figure out how they can work with partners and advertisers to blend video content with ads, then distribute them over the Google AdSense network.
Up to now, they have been testing AdSense video distribution and sponsorship with a small group of publishers; but Google have just announced the expansion of the test by teaming up with two entertainment giants: Sony BMG Music Entertainment and the Warner Music Group.
The highly anticipated video advertising system would work by embedding advertisements into online film clips. Rather like watching a TV commercial, viewers would be exposed to ads whilst watching their chosen music video or clip. Instead of the pay-per-click model which Google uses for its text ads programme, advertisers would be billed on a cost per thousand impressions (CPM) model.
As more people are turning to the internet to watch video clips, TV stations and music videos, Google are keen to expand their massively successful text-advertising system into new media formats on the web, including internet video, radio and mobile phones.
In traditional text advertising, the fee an advertiser pays is split between Google and the website publishers. Google AdSense Supported Video will split the money three ways, putting the video content owner on the payroll, in addition to the web site publisher and itself. However, Google will not be disclosing the exact revenue split figures.
Though the new scheme will be popular with mainstream video producers, such as film production companies and music publishers, many smaller video producers are excited at the possibility of monetising their clips too.
With the advent of mobile phone and camera video capabilities, almost everyone has the ability to record a short clip and upload it onto the internet. Google's new AdSense Supported Video programme could allow those with popular video clips to be rewarded with revenue in addition to internet glory.
Take the infamous "Star Wars Kid" for example; the footage of a young Canadian using a golf-ball retriever to imitate a Jedi Knight in combat is said to be the most viewed clip on the net, having been watched by some 900 million people.
Now, just think how much the young Jedi might have earned if a Google AdSense Ad had been inserted into the clip - possibly enough to buy a real light sabre.
