In Focus

Video opportunities beyond YouTube

Atom

URL
http://www.atomfilms.com/

Date launched
March 1999

Target audience
Males, ages 18-34 interested in humor videos and animation

Key competitors
CollegeHumor, Comedy Central, National Banana, FunnyorDie

Online video niche
Atom develops original videos and series, licenses independent shorts and allows users to update their own original and viral content. The company's two main arms consist of AtomFilms, an indie entertainment site, and AtomUploads for user-generated content.

Distinguishing features
Atom built its network in part by compensating users for their work through revenue-share arrangements. For both user-generated and professionally produced content, the company focuses on a multiplatform distribution network that spans the web and mobile, with immediate plans in the works to bring its product to traditional television.

Types of ad campaigns
Atom offers video advertising, user-generated programs, branded entertainment, convergent campaigns, and other opportunities for brands. The company also allows for sponsored site sections and other branded entertainment, such as its Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge.

Current or previous advertisers include:
Nintendo, Microsoft, Ford, Acura

FYI
In addition to advertising, Atom's business model also focuses on distribution revenue, with partnerships online (streaming and torrent download on sites such as iTunes), mobile (AT&T, Verizon, AllTel), and television and video-on-demand (forthcoming).

Atom Entertainment was purchased by Viacom's MTV Networks in 2006.

 

Comments

Joe Wright
Joe Wright September 23, 2008 at 8:19 AM

Great research, it seems that all of these models are focused on original high end content creation with some user generated content all paid for by ads. The issue of getting video produced and online is still a challenge for many people. Do you intend to research video authoring tools, live streaming for comedy skits and those types of services? These types of things can be found at www.isatvideo.com

Richard Crook
Richard Crook September 20, 2008 at 12:09 PM

What about Vimeo? They are the only free video upload site that features HIGH DEFINITION. Check 'em out: www.vimeo.com

Frame Ghost
Frame Ghost May 12, 2008 at 5:15 AM

There are far more video sharing portals out there. I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention metacafe as the closest one to (no matter how far away from, though) Youtube in it's own business.

It is a nice overview anyway. Loved it. Added some video networks to my bookmark list.

Thanks!

David Rodriguez
David Rodriguez May 10, 2008 at 5:54 PM

I work in sales and I have found that everyone has an opinion about how the sales process works. But not everyone wants use the process that works.

Billy Saleebey
Billy Saleebey May 9, 2008 at 8:26 PM

Great Article! I feel that YouTube has paved the way for the growing online video community. My company (Believe Entertainment) is launching a movie trailer sharing site where users can watch, share and upload movie trailers. Check it out at www.TheTrailerSite.com

Henry Blechman
Henry Blechman May 9, 2008 at 12:06 PM

Metacafe (www.metacafe.com) is a top video site for short form entertainment. It has 6.7 million unique visitors in the U.S. According to comScore, Metacafe has more unique visitors in the U.S than the other 5 mentioned sites combined. ; )

sean ryan
sean ryan May 8, 2008 at 8:47 AM

maniaTV (www.maniatv.com) is an original video destination that has been providing clients with premium branded entertainment opportunities for over 3.5 years. We are an online TV network producing original premium entertainment with a fully functioning studio in LA. We are consistently ranked in the top 10 video sites, and have worked with over 75 advertisers including 40 of the top 50 brands in the world. We are disappointed that we were not included in your report and would love the opportunity to share additional details about our site, mission and success to date. Thank you - Sean Ryan, VP of Sales Operations, maniaTV - seanr@maniatv.com.

ben f
ben f May 7, 2008 at 6:43 PM

It's bizarre to read an article about video opportunities that doesn't mention Veoh or Hulu. Hulu has solid ad offerings for their premium NBC and Fox content. And Veoh has a thousands of premium shows, offers geo and behavioral targeting, and has 2x the user engagement than Youtube. These sites aren't dinky little sites -- they're two of the most popular and well-known video sites, so I can't believe neither was included in this list.

John Killam
John Killam May 7, 2008 at 1:14 PM

Great summary of the current video landscape. It's really an endless sea, but I'll add one for your consideration: http://ebaumsworld.com

This video site has been around for years and has a bit of a cult following within the youth market.

Kevin Reese
Kevin Reese May 7, 2008 at 10:34 AM

Hi Leah, Enjoyed your article today about the variety of video sites out there. Wanted to introduce you to www.sportzu.tv We are a video based youth sports community that launched on March 4th. We have built a site that it not just a social network, but through user generated and professionally produced video, is a community for kids, parents and coaches.
Sincerely, Kevin Reese, VP Marketing, SportZu.tv

Anders Sparre
Anders Sparre May 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM

Great article!
Another video site worth mentioning is www.ourstage.com.
They run monthly contests for video makers with cash prizes, mentor sessions, magazine spotlights etc.

eric holder
eric holder May 7, 2008 at 8:13 AM

good overview!