YouTube launches “transparent” adverts
YouTube, the Google-owned user generated content site, is launching advertising on its videos for the first time today (August 22). The site has introduced a new format of “transparent” ads that appear on the bottom of videos.
The ads are overlayed over the video but only take up 20% of the screen at the bottom and appear 15 seconds after the clip has started. The ads will run for about ten seconds but viewers can make them disappear by clicking on them.
The launch is seen as a significant step forward for the site, which needs to make money out of its content without upsetting its massive audience. It is understood Google believes that this method will please viewers and offer advertisers an useful marketing platform.
The ads will only appear on content provided by “selected” partners and not on videos uploaded by individuals for an initial period but it aims to make the format available to around 1,000 partners, which will include members of the public over the long-term. The ads can be targeted by genre, demographic and gepgraphy and day part.