Google is testing ad-supported content on its Google Video service
Sponsored videos are shown on a new Google Video Free Today page

Google trials ad-supported videos

Free if you watch the adverts

Carl Taylor

Google is testing ad-supported content on its Google Video service allowing content that previously required payment to be watched for free, providing the viewer is happy to watch an advert. 

Adverts currently play after the video has finished, and the page hosting the video features a banner ad promoting the company sponsoring the content.

Advertisement

Google added paid content to its video hosting service in January. The content owner controls the price that is charged, and Google takes a cut from every video sold.

Sponsored videos are shown on a new Google Video Free Today page. Content ranges from episodes of Felix the Cat to wrestling bouts. The videos usually sell from $0.30 to $15. 

Among companies currently sponsoring videos on the service are HP, online DVD rental firm Netflix and Burger King.

  • Have your say
  • Send to a friend
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Reddit
  • Share

Tags:

Do you agree?

Further reading

Google

Google launches paid video download service

Content owner controls the price, and Google takes a cut

Users will be able to find content hosted on individual websites or from video hosting services

Google Video to include outside content

Service will offer content hosted on individual websites or video hosting services

Google digitises US video archives

Historic WW2 video material to be made available online for free

Yahoo expands its content offerings

Search firm hires columnists to deliver unique content

Related whitepapers

Related jobs

Most watched

iPhone

Video Review: iPhone 3GS

We put Apple's latest iPhone through its paces

Xperia X1

Video Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

First Looks Editor Ian Williams gets hands on with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

IT white papers

Search white papers

Top categories

Poll

Poll: Summer smartphones

Poll: Summer smartphones

Which smartphone will you be taking to the beach this summer?

View poll results

Advertisement

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Enter email address to edit your newsletter preferences

Job of the week

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Hiring now on ComputingCareers:

Related IT jobs

Search thousands of IT jobs :

Search thousands of IT jobs:

Advanced search

Spotlight

iPhone

Video Review: iPhone 3GS

We put Apple's latest iPhone through its paces

old computer

Government honours veterans of Bletchley Park at last

Surviving veterans of the code-breaking facility to receive badge of...

Motorola MC55 Enterprise Digital Assistant

Review: Motorola MC55 Enterprise Digital Assistant

A rugged Windows Mobile device for mobile workers

BT

BT promises 1.5m fibre connections by summer 2010

Telco begins major rollout in 69 locations across the UK

Primary Navigation