America Online, Inc. announced the launch of AOL Video Search, which enables AOL subscribers and non-AOL members to search online video content. AOL says the new search initiative will be ad-supported.
AOL Video Search draws from a database of more than 1.5 million online video assets. In 2003, AOL acquired video and audio search technology company Singingfish, which powers the new AOL Video Search.
"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. We're combining best-in-class video search technology with extensive video programming to offer consumers the best video experience anywhere on the web," says Kevin Conroy, EVP and COO, AOL Media Networks.
AOL also announced plans to feature optimized video content feeds from HBO, Warner Bros. Online, New York Times Digital and Movielink.
The AOL Video Search offers more options for marketers using online video ads via the new AOL Video Player. The company says their Video Player meets all the industry standards for in-stream video advertising with synchronized ad curtains.
The launch of AOL Video Search is seen as a way for AOL to raise the ante against the major search portals, like Yahoo!, which launched its version of video search in May 2005.
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