AOL Extends Video Search with Content Partnerships

America Online launched a new Video Search service that aims to provide "the most comprehensive repository of high-quality video content online in key categories from entertainment to news." The service is available through its AOL, AOLSearch.com, and on AOL.com. Its database draws from the AOL Video on-demand archive of more than 15,000 licensed and originally produced video assets, including from broadcast television; more than 1.5 million video assets available on the Internet indexed through its Singingfish video and audio search engine; and RSS feeds from top video streaming sites.


AOL plans to feature optimized video content feeds from HBO, Warner Bros. Online, New York Times Digital and About.com, Movielink, Broadway.com, CollegeHumor.com and Jokaroo.com. In conjunction with approval from content partners, the AOL Video Search product also has the capability to ingest and present clips from TV broadcast content.


AOL is also previewing an enhanced version of its AOL Video Player that integrates search and programming and supports major file formats to deliver inline playback for most videos through a single, consistent experience.


"On-demand video is rapidly emerging as a mainstream behavior on the Web, and we want AOL to be the first place users go for online video," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AOL Media Networks.


AOL said its video on the Web strategy will enable marketers to reach their key audiences online using video advertising and through the new AOL Video Player. AOL provides in-stream video advertising with synchronized ad curtains. The company noted that it is already streaming millions of music videos every day and hundreds of millions of songs on radio and on-demand each week.
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