update: Google has officially launched its AdWords Video Advertisements service:
Quote:Google has taken the wraps off plans to sell video advertising online, an ambitious move that could unlock significant additional growth potential for the search giant. The company said it will use a placement system that is similar to the AdWords platform in place for text and graphics ads, but will not place video advertising alongside search results -- at least not yet. Instead, video ads will be distributed on content sites that partner with Google.
"This suddenly gives Google a real product for brand marketers, something the company has wanted but hasn't really had until now," Sterling Market Intelligence analyst Greg Sterling told the E-Commerce Times. "Yahoo has had much more to offer brands. It will be interesting to see how many of them will try this out. Google indicated there are a number of advertisers already signed up."...
full article:
http://ecommercetimes.com/story/KG9KQ3FB...ches.xhtml
From the Google AdWords blog:
Quote:Â Â Â First, as with all AdWords ad formats, video ads will compete for placement on sites in the Google content network with other text, Flash and image ads -- and, as with our other image ad placements, you can choose to bid on a CPC or CPM basis.
  Second, these ads will be supported by both site- and keyword-targeted campaigns. You can choose to serve your video ad on a specific site or on pages in our content network that relate to your product or service. As always, you have the ability to geo-target your video ads internationally, nationally, or locally.
  Finally, unlike some intrusive advertising, users will have complete control. When a page loads, only a static image will be visible; the video will not start playing until the user initiates it. He or she will be able to advance the video, pause it, adjust the volume or click through to the advertiser's site...
full article:
http://adwords.blogspot.com/2006/05/clic...words.html
Tips for AdSense users from the AdSense blog:
Quote:There are no guarantees that click-to-play video ads will appear on your site; however, to increase the chances make sure to:
1) Opt into image ads.
2) Use one of the three ad formats that support video ads: 300x250 Medium Rectangle, 336x280 Large Rectangle, or 250x250 Square
full article:
http://adsense.blogspot.com/2006/05/intr...o-ads.html
Google AdSense provided some additional information on its blog about the new Video Ads format:
Quote:How will I be paid for video ads?
Video ads can be either site targeted or contextually targeted. Publishers will be paid for site-targeted video ads on a CPM basis. For contextually targeted video ads, publishers will be paid for clicks to the advertiser's landing page. Clicks are generated either by clicking on the display URL at the bottom of the ad, or by clicking on the video itself during play.
What is the duration of each video ad?
While the length may vary, video ads can be up to two minutes long.
Can I watch the videos appearing on my own site?
Yes, you can watch the videos appearing on your site by clicking on the "Play" button--this will not affect your reports. However, please do not click on the advertiser's URL, or on the ad itself, which will also bring you to the advertiser's site. Clicking on the ad or URL could generate invalid clicks on your account and inflate advertiser costs.
full blog entry:
http://adsense.blogspot.com/2006/05/vide...ed_26.html
