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.