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.
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.
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