Premium content puts you in the game

While the media descends on Los Angeles this week for the gaming industry's annual E3 Expo event, gamers around the world head online for first looks at the latest gaming properties. For marketers, this intense consumer focus on gaming is an opportunity to roll out a campaign for a future blockbuster release or to leverage interest in a platform, console or technology.

Our new E3 Spotlight is an example of a premium content event on YouTube. It provides fans of a specific topic -- in this instance, gaming -- with a convenient place to check out videos from multiple content partners covering the subject matter from a variety of perspectives. With the E3 Spotlight, brands like Windows, Atari, XBox, THQ, and Rockstar Games will be able to reach hardcore gamers searching for E3 reports. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the hottest content from respected gaming industry sources like GameSpot, IGNentertainment, and Machinima in a single media buy. With both a branded destination site and targeted ads running across the site, our sponsors will own the gaming space on YouTube during the biggest gaming event of the year.

Premium content events extend beyond gaming. Check out Best in Jest, a collection of comedy shorts presented by Warner Brothers for the second time this year. Or for a more serious selection of videos, Sun Chips' Live Green program brings together the best environmentally-conscious content on YouTube. From thousands of content partners from mainstream media outlets to special-interest video creators, YouTube speaks to enthusiasts in every interest group. When considering the best ways to reach your target audience or connect your brand with timely events, ask your account representative about how you can create your own premium branded event on YouTube.

Posted by Mark Day, Marketing Programs