The latest version of MSN video has been released, offering improvements to search functionality and less intrusive advertising, making it a more usable and entertaining offering.Rob Bennett, MSN General Manager for Entertainment, Video and Sport, commented: "This latest release of MSN Video will make discovering, watching and sharing video easier and more entertaining than ever before".
In order to improve their service, MSN has set about making searching for both premium and user-generated video content easier. Soapbox, MSN's user-generated video site, will be included in searches allowing for a wide range of content to be sourced. Searchable content will also be available from existing partners ITN, BBC and MyMovies.
The most noticeable change to the video service is MSN's take on video advertising. Contrary to Google's advertising model on YouTube, which uses semi-transparent adverts, MSN will offer three options to advertisers.
The first option will see a continuation of their pre-roll advertising model, but with some upgrades. The new system will incorporate a timed system that means that users will not be shown more than one advert in a three minute timeframe. Users will be able to view multiple videos without having to watch pre-roll adverts before every viewing. This less intrusive advertising technique aims to allow more channel surfing and higher user satisfaction as video streams will not be interrupted.
The next option will include large box-style adverts emerging from the side of the video player, whilst the third option is a banner that drops from just below the player. It is hoped these new options will strike a cord with advertisers and audiences alike.
These changes, further to their $6bn purchase of aQuantive, show MSN's commitment to gaining a larger share of the reported $40bn internet advertising expenditure that Google currently dominates.
Chris Ward, Digital Advertising Solutions Commercial Director at Microsoft said:
"We believe we are at the forefront of creating unique video advertising options and the time-based ads offered in our new version of MSN Video pave the way for advertisers to engage with consumers in a less intrusive way."
