AOL is hoping that integrating AIM and email services into the newly acquired Bebo will raise the social network's popularity and thus expand the reach of the Platform A advertising service at the same time.

Bebo, purchased in March for $850 million, is currently the third largest social network in the United States, behind MySpace and Facebook. By combining several popular features under one roof, AOL hopes to keep users in one space, providing more direct opportunities for advertisers.

"AOL is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the exploding social media space by delivering a more personal experience for consumers and a better way for advertisers to engage them," AOL CEO Randy Falco said in an interview with The Guardian.

AIM currently has 30 million U.S. users, and integrating the application into Bebo puts it in direct competition with Facebook's new chat feature, which many predicted would dethrone AIM.

Bebo said it has already found success with integrated marketing around web dramas like "Kate Modern" and "Sophia's Diary," which will now be featured on several AOL sites.