YouTube Videos Pull In Real Money

New York Times, December 10, 2008 — Making videos for YouTube — for three years a pastime for millions of Web surfers — is now a way to make a living.

One year after YouTube, the online video powerhouse, invited members to become “partners” and added advertising to their videos, the most successful users are earning six-figure incomes from the Web site. For some, like Michael Buckley, the self-taught host of a celebrity chatter show, filming funny videos is now a full-time job

Viral Video Marketing Survey: The Agency Perspective

Feed Company, October 13, 2008 — The tactic of creating and distributing viral video sponsored by advertisers to users on web video sites and blogs is increasing in popularity following a year that saw YouTube-charting videos from major brands such as Levi’s’ “Guys Backflip Into Jeans,” Gatorade’s “Ball Girl,” and Nike “Kobe Jumps Over Car.” A new report released from online video seeding firm Feed Company shows 70% of ad agency and media buying executives plan to increase budgets for viral video marketing in 2009. The ”Viral Video Marketing Survey: The Agency Perspective” culled insights on viral video marketing trends from 40 executives at major advertising agencies and media buying firms including Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Wieden & Kennedy, Digitas, and... continue reading