YouTube is upping its appeal to product-based merchandisers. Google’s online video site just introduced a shoppable ad format dubbed TrueView for Shopping.

Built using the same format and style as YouTube’s card-style annotations, the new mobile-friendly TrueView for Shopping ads gives brands the option to highlight featured products and related information within an ad on a YouTube video. Viewers can click the shopping ad to purchase the product on the brand’s website (rather than directly from YouTube).

“One of the things we saw was people going off YouTube and searching on Google.com for that product [seen in an ad on YouTube], and then clicking the product listing,” YouTube’s senior product manager, Lane Shackleton, told AdAge. “In this case we’re just reducing the friction.”

The new TrueView shopping ads are essentially YouTube’s version of Google’s Merchant Center, which allows brands to upload product information and data for appearance in Google’s Shopping service and search results. So brands who want to use TrueView for Shopping on YouTube will need to have a Google Merchant Center account already set up. Shackleton said brands will be able to target by demographics, geography, and even past views of products on brands’ site.

YouTube’s introduction of TrueView for Shopping ads only makes sense for the online video site. Currently, YouTube claims to have at least 1 million channels solely dedicated to reviewing products. The Google-owned site also says review videos have grown 50% year-over-year.

And so far, select YouTube partners have tested the TrueView for Shopping ads with positive results. For example, makeup retailer Sephora found the new shopping ads improved its ad recall rate 54% among viewers, who then stuck around to watch a video for an average of two minutes. Plus, Wayfair (which just debuted a new web series alongside Kin Community) noted that TrueView shopping ads generated three times as much revenue as its previous ad campaigns.

“Having the opportunity to lay additional information on top of our pre-rolls is huge,” said Ben Young, Wayfair’s media manager of TV and online video, to AdAge.

According to Shackleton, advertisers will only be charged for TrueView for Shopping ads if a viewer clicks on a product card, watches the entire ad, or completes at least 30 seconds of the ad. And as is the case with YouTube’s TrueView ad format, viewers will still be able to skip the new shopping ads after five seconds.

Filed under: Articles, News, YouTube by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

Endemol Beyond has a new branch in its global network. The self-described “premium channel network” for digital content has launched Endemol Beyond Asia, with an office in Singapore led by new Head of Digital and Branded Content Christopher Smith.

Endemol Beyond Asia will develop local versions of the network’s previous digital programming, starting with lifestyle content from Michelle Phan’s ICON network. The new Asian branch will also create original and branded content for regional brands and will connect with local digital talent. Smith, who has previous creative and brand experience from positions with Mindshare Singapore, Apple, Quicksilver, Nike, Disney, and Unilever, will oversee all these initiatives.

“Endemol Beyond is a creative organization at its core and it’s exciting to leverage the years of experience and success in creatively led storytelling to the Asian market,” said Smith in a release. “There is a huge opportunity in Asia for both branded content and original digital programming. I look forward to adding to the success of Endemol Beyond in this region, and to develop our Asia based studios into one of the leading producers of outstanding content for both brands and viewers.”

“Endemol Beyond continues to go from strength to strength and establishing this new hub in Asia reinforces our position as a truly global company,” said Georg Ramme, Managing Director of Endemol Beyond International. “Audiences in Asia have a strong appetite for digital content and this region is key to Endemol Beyond’s growth. Christopher’s experience and innovation puts us in a great position to create fantastic programming, attract digital superstars and deliver bespoke content to leading brands.”

Endemol Beyond currently boasts 71 million subscribers and over 1,520 million video views across its entire, global talent network.

Filed under: Articles, Endemol Beyond, News by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

With more than 7.4 million subscribers and close to 1.6 billion views, the FailArmy channel is YouTube’s most popular collection of user-generated fails and practical jokes. As fans continue to flock to this ever-expanding compendium of funny moments, Jukin Media, which owns FailArmy, is expanding the brand’s presence onto a second channel. At a new home called FailArmy U (or FU for short), original programs like Top Fails Breakdown analyze every corner of the FailArmy library.

As Jukin Media explains, FU had a soft launch in April 2015, and it has since served as the home for Top Fails Breakdown, in which three hosts combine FailArmy’s “Fails of the Week” videos, user comments, and fast-paced delivery to create a 6-8 minute clip show. Here’s the most recent episode, titled “A Case of the Mondays.”

In a release, Jukin explained that early response to Top Fails Breakdown has been “overwhelmingly positive.” “FailArmy has an incredibly passionate and engaged fanbase,” said Jonathan Skogmo, Founder and CEO of Jukin Media, in the release. “Top Fails Breakdown works so well because it leverages the fans’ passion and creativity in the creation of the format.”

Jukin plans to produce more personality-driven shows to join Top Fails Breakdown on FU. At the same time, FailArmy will continue to prank and pratfall its way across the media landscape. The brand’s TV program, World’s Funniest Fails, will soon return for a second season.

Filed under: Articles, Channels, Featured, News by Sam Gutelle
No Comments »

One of the big innovations YouTube has trumpeted in the past year is the addition of high frame rates, which allow content creators on the site to release smooth, seamless videos. In particular, gamers, who make up one of YouTube’s largest communities, have released their videos in 48 and 60 frames-per-second (FPS) in order to provide a less juddery experience for their viewers.

Now, YouTube is catering to its gamers even more. It has announced an update to its high frame-rate playback that allows its users to live stream footage at 48 and 60 FPS.

As YouTube explains in an introductory blog post, it teamed up with three video game capture programs in order to give streamers the option to upload footage to YouTube at up to 60 FPS. “We’ll also make your stream available in 30fps on devices where high frame rate viewing is not yet available,” adds the blog post, “while we work to expand support in the coming weeks.”

At the same time, YouTube has also announced HTML5 playback for its live streams. That update allows viewers to skip around active live streams and watch them at variable playback speeds, as is already possible with normal YouTube videos.

By expanding it’s live stream services, YouTube is looking to catch up to Twitch, which already allows its users to stream video at high frame-rates. Several outlets have termed YouTube’s update as part of its plan “to take on Twitch.” Previously, rumors swirled about a potential update to YouTube’s live streaming capabilities, through which it could challenge Twitch’s popular service.

Will these updates bring more video game streamers to YouTube? Or will those streamers stay loyal to Twitch, which YouTube tried to purchase in 2014? You can keep tabs on YouTube’s streaming community by subscribing to this page, on which the video site shares a collection of notable live programs.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, YouTube by Sam Gutelle
No Comments »

Want honesty? All you need to do is give Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal some delicious iced beverages. The filmmaking duo behind the Rhett & Link YouTube channel released a new music video called “Just Being Honest,” in which they drop truth bombs on their friends and family.

The video, sponsored by Wendy’s, begins with Rhett & Link sitting in a restaurant and drinking iced tea. When they overhear a pair of women talking about how much they appreciate honesty, they launch in a song through which they undo all their fibs, fabrications, and stretches of the truth. By the end of the video, though, they realize the two women were probably talking about Wendy’s Honest Tropical Green Teas.

Rhett & Link are no strangers to branded content. Many of their other music videos, such as “Epic Rap Battle: Nerd vs. Geek,” “I’m On Vacation,” and “I’m A Textpert,” are linked to brands or public campaigns. In this case, the duo’s partnership with Wendy’s also extends to #SipMeUp, which the “Just Being Honest” video description describes as “a live streaming event on Thursday, June 18th where you have a shot at us making a personal video, just for you!”

Bonus features from the music video are available over at the official Wendy’s YouTube channel. As a behind-the-scenes feature shows, “Just Being Honest” was shot in one take. It’s an impressive piece of work from two of YouTube’s most creative and likable personalities.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, Rhett & Link by Sam Gutelle
No Comments »

Delta has a new flight safety video chock full of internet nostalgia. On May 20, 2015, the airline released a new video called “The Internetest Safety Video on the Internet,” which highlights everything from screaming goats to the Annoying Orange.

Delta’s Internet-themed safety video contains references to some of the web’s most popular memes, videos, and icons. The keyboard cat, dramatic chipmunk, Gavin Free of the Slow Mo Guys, and Overly-Attached Girlfriend all make appearances. Internet phenomenons like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the Harlem Shake are also included.

Delta’s safety video ends with the “Will It Blend?” Blendtech guy giving viewers the option to watch several “blended” versions of the safety video. These feature even more internet names and faces, like Epic Meal Time, Lohanthony, and the “I Like Turtles” kid.

Delta is not the first airline company to capitalize on the obsessive nature of Internet culture. Virgin America has included original YouTube-based content for its in-flight programming since 2012; in 2013, the airline created a musical safety video, which went viral (it now has over 10 million views) and sparked a dance contest for a lucky winner to appear in the next safety video. Additionally, Air New Zealand’s Lord of the Rings-themed ad hit the top of YouTube’s ad leaderboard in October 2014 with over 11 million views.

You can check out Delta’s new safety video on the airline’s official YouTube channel. We dare you to pick out all the Internet-y references without looking at the video’s description.

Filed under: Articles, Branded Entertainment, News by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

VidCon is quickly shaping up to be a destination at which up-and-coming video creators will find some exciting resources. The event, which features a slate of YouTube-focused industry, consumer, and fan-based sessions and speakers, has announced its first-ever Creator Mentorship program, with a lineup of video professionals ready to dole out creative advice.

The Creator Mentorship program awards 10-15 minute one-on-one sessions with participating mentors to creators who would like feedback on an idea, project, or video. To be considered for the program, interested creators can submit an application with a link to the project or treatment they would like feedback on. VidCon’s site does not clarify how many creators will be selected for the Mentorship program.

The full list of mentors includes:

Fine Bros.
Sarah Penna
Wheezy Waiter
Tessa Violet
ASAP Science
Strawburry17
Jack Conte
Mike Falzone
Sam Gorski and Niko Pueringer
Peter Hollens
ElloSteph
OnlyLeigh
Hannah Hart
Akilah Hughes
Michael Buckley
Franchesca Ramsey
Karen Kavett
Nikki Phillippi
Laci Green
Charlie McDonnell
Alli Speed
AV Bytes
VSauce

Benny Fine of The Fine Bros. originally suggested the Creator Mentorship idea in 2014, but the VidCon team couldn’t organize the program in time for that year’s event. Fortunately, the Mentorship program is able to happen this coming July, as the initiative fits right in with the Creator Track goal of providing resources and knowledge to creators of all different types and audience sizes.

If you are attending VidCon with a creator pass, you can submit your application for a mentoring session via bit.ly/vidconmentor. The submission deadline is June 1, 2015.

Filed under: Articles, News, VidCon by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

In 2014, James Rolfe, known online as the Angry Video Game Nerd, released a long-awaited feature-length film in which he brought his irritable character to the big screen. Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie drew a solid reception from among the Nerd’s fans, and now, those viewers a new way to acquire the film. Screenwave Media, the distributor of the AVGN movie, has made a DVD version of the film available on Amazon.

The DVD release joins a Blu-Ray option, which was released last year in time for the holiday season. The Blu-Ray sold well; according to Screenwave, it was the second-best selling Blu-Ray comedy shortly after its arrival. The DVD version (which at $19.99 retails for $5 less than the Blu-Ray) looks to add to the AVGN film’s success.

The Nerd’s episodic adventures are also available in DVD form. Eight video compilations can be purchased from the Screw Attack store.

AVGN: The Movie, which arrived on Vimeo On Demand in September 2014, follows the Nerd as he heads to New Mexico to dig up abandoned copies of the infamous E.T. video game. Along the way, a miscommunication with government forces leads to an action-packed adventure. The film spent three years in production, with Rolfe and his team funding it through an Indiegogo campaign launched in October 2011.

In addition to his movie, Rolfe continues to release new videos on his Cinemassacre channel and website. The Nerd’s YouTube home has nearly 1.8 million subscribers and has tallied more than 650 million views across nine years of operation.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, News, Web Series by Sam Gutelle
No Comments »

Pizza Hut has a dire prediction about the future of selfie sticks. The pizza-based food company released a new public service announcement video called “The Danger of Selfie Sticks,” in which it warns against the inherent problems and consequences of selfie stick abuse.

In Pizza Hut’s PSA, a spokeswoman discusses how self-obsessed people will go to any lengths to top other selfie addicts. This results in longer selfie sticks, and therefore more dangerous situations. For example, the PSA depicts the phone-bearing sticks breaking windows and knocking over bikers as their users drive while holding their sticks out the window. Pizza Hut’s video ends by asking viewers to “please selfie responsibly,” an aptly-timed message considering Disney World’s recent ban on selfie sticks at the theme park.

The comedic “Danger of Selfie Sticks” PSA is actually a well-crafted promotion for Pizza Hut’s new Big Flavor Dipper Pizza, a two-foot long pizza chopped into smaller, bite-sized portions. Only a few seconds of the video are devoted to the new product as a delivery man brings the pizza to a selfie stick-dominated party, complaining that the larger size of the sticks is leading to bigger parties which in turn need bigger pizzas.

This isn’t the first time Pizza Hut has made video content aimed at digital-savvy consumers. Previously, the pizza brand invited several creators from YouTube multi-channel network Fullscreen to create their own unique pizzas. Video stars such as Jack & Jack, Andrea Russett, and Rooster Teeth invented new flavor combinations which officially became available for purchase by Pizza Hut customers.

You can check out Pizza Hut’s selfie stick PSA on the food brand’s official YouTube channel.

Filed under: Articles, Branded Entertainment, News by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

In case you haven’t yet heard the news, we’re delighted to tell you that Hulu’s fans asked for a show about nothing, the streaming video platform made a deal with Sony Pictures Television, yada yada yada, Seinfeld is coming to Hulu. After announcing its plan to stream all nine season’s of Jerry Seinfeld’s acclaimed comedy series just prior to its 2015 Newfronts presentation, Hulu has now set June 24th as the date on which all 180 episodes of Seinfeld will become available.

Seinfeld, which has followed up its nine season TV run by airing syndicated reruns ever since, is a familiar product for most TV viewers. The Hulu deal, however, will make the entire Seinfeld library available online for the first time ever. Hulu paid a pretty penny for that privilege; the platform’s deal with Sony reportedly cost $180 million, which comes out to $1 million per episode.

Hulu has teased Seinfeld’s impending arrival with a short trailer:

In addition, Hulu has also shared several other clips from the show in order to whet user appetites. While you wait for Seinfeld to arrive online, for example, you could do a lot worse than reacquainting yourself with The Puffy Shirt.

Filed under: Articles, Featured, Hulu, News, Seinfeld by Sam Gutelle
No Comments »

Earlier this month, rumors circulated about Spotify‘s plan to bring video to its music streaming platform. Now, those rumors have been verified. At a press event on May 20, 2015, Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek confirmed his music service would feature original video content from partners including Vice, Comedy Central, and ESPN.

Spotify will provide users with original, short-form video programming in their playlists and streams. Ek provided one example of video content arriving on the music platform: A series called Amy Poehler’s Dance Move of the Day featuring the titular actress getting down to tunes from Spotify’s library. Beyond Vice, Comedy Central, and ESPN, Spotify has inked deals with other media partners such as Jimmy Kimmel, Team CoCo, BBC, TED, Fusion, The Nerdist, ABC, Adult Swim, Maker Studios, MTV, NBC, Slate, Elite Daily, and Tastemade.

In addition to video content, Spotify will start streaming podcasts and news segments in users’ feeds, and will offer more customization options for music playlists. The music service’s app will even play music with beats that match the pace of a runner’s tempo. Spotify will also start serving users personalized video and audio content depending on their habits at different times of the day.

UK-based video distribution company Rightster has also partnered with Spotify to release video content based on verticals like entertainment, sports, and social. The company’s SVP of Business Affairs and Enterprise, Damien Collier, told StreamDaily that Spotify’s goal with its video and personalization efforts is to create “content and music playlists that fit together and support moments within people’s day.”

“For example, you may be on the train to work, and (that’s) one moment in the day when you may be served up with suitable video and music content,” Collier explained. “Or it may be mid-afternoon and you’re having to get that pick-me-up from music and video.”

Overall, The Verge reports Ek deemed Spotify’s new strategy a “massive leap forward” that “goes beyond the conventional formats.” No release date has been announced for any of the original video content as of yet, but the new programming and personalization options are set to roll out sometime over the next few weeks.

Filed under: Articles, News, Spotify by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »

Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant Video subscribers are generous when it comes to sharing their passwords. In a new study, Dallas-based research firm Parks Associates discovered that out of 57% of U.S. broadband homes which access streaming subscription services, 11% of these households use these services via someone else’s paid account.

Parks broke down the total 11% figure into smaller data points based on which streaming services had the most-shared accounts. Approximately 11% of Netflix users access the service through an account paid for by another user, while 10% of Hulu Plus users do the same. Only 5% of Amazon Prime users access Instant Video via a paid subscriber’s account.

Additionally, Parks noted how account sharing on video subscription services tends to occur in households with younger demographics. Out of the surveyed 18- to 24-year-old streaming service users, 22% of them access the over-the-top platform video using someone else’s account.

Parks’ research included subscription services not tied to pay-TV accounts, but did not cover authenticated apps for video services like HBO Go which do require a pay-TV subscription for use. The firm’s study was also conducted during Q3 of 2014, before either Dish’s Sling TV service or the HBO Now service launched.

“OTT video accounts for a disproportionate amount of content consumed when compared to expenditure—over one-third of video consumed per week is OTT, but it is only 9% of the household video budget,” said Brett Sappington, Director of Research at Parks, in the study. “Account sharing is part of the larger problem in monetizing the strong consumer demand for OTT content.”

Parks’ study is aptly timed to a changing entertainment consumption market. In addition to Sling TV and HBO Now, a variety of other providers have launched their own subscription services. At the same time, pay-TV subscriber counts are dropping. And for the first time in the history of the cable television industry, pay-TV providers lost subscribers in the first quarter of 2015.

You can read more of Parks Associates’ study on the firm’s blog.

Filed under: Articles, Industry, News by Bree Brouwer
No Comments »