MySpace Launching Premium Video Channels

Filed in archive Internet TV on May 25, 2007

A separate section of MySpace Video will feature video from the NY Times, Reuters, LX.TV, and IGN Entertainment.

Apparently, there will be no pre- or post-roll ads, product placements, or corporate sponsorship of these videos. So, only the standard MySpace display ads will run on each page. Since big ad bucks are not what is motivating the media outlets, what is? Simple: the ability to reach out to a new audience and try to drive traffic back to their own sites.

We see this same dynamic at play over at YouTube. For a traditional media company, a site either monetizes their video directly with enough ad dollars or gives enough promotional value that the media company itself can do the job.

An eMarketer Social Network Marketing report found that some 40% of MySpace users were between the ages of 18 and 24. But an almost equal percentage (39%) was between the ages of 25 and 44. MySpace, it's not just for kids anymore.

As MySpace continues to reposition itself as a prime destination for Web video, securing content from respected media providers is key to drawing users of all ages.

The imminent launch of the new channel follows recent announcements of partnerships with Mark Burnett for a political reality show, Michael Eisner for the Prom Queen soap opera, and the launch of the Trailer Park film community--all examples of the company's intentions to continue to develop high-quality content for MySpace Video.