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Internet search engine giant Google's popular YouTube streaming video Web site is now offering webmasters the ability to integrate advertisements from the company's AdSense program into YouTube  video content embedded in any Web site. In the past Google's AdSense program has allowed Web site owners to earn money through the display of small targeted advertisements, however these were not associated with the YouTube video content embedded in many Web sites. The new program allows Web site owners to display advertising in a small area of any YouTube content that has been embedded in a Web site, offering a potential increase in advertising revenue through greater numbers of people clicking the new video ads. Although the new program has not been officially announced by Google, several references to the program are now online at the YouTube Web site. As of today not all users of the AdSense program will be able to see and use the new features with their account, as the company appears to be offering the feature to only certain customers. When an official announcement about the program is made by Google, it is expected that the additional features will become available to all AdSense customers. According to Google the new AdSense ads for embedded YouTube content will only be shown if a webmaster chooses to use them, and only for those using one of the custom embedded video players. VIDEO CONTENT The content of the new AdSense ads can be contextually based on the information a Web site contains, or it may be selected from a number of topical categories. Webmasters who use these categories will also be able to specify which ones to exclude. In addition to choosing custom content for the new AdSense ads,  webmasters are able to choose from several color themes and embedded video player layouts to help the new ads match the look and feel of a Web site. VIDEO PLACEMENT The AdSense ads appear in a rectangular area above the YouTube video being shown in any of the new custom video players embedded in a Web site, as shown in the image to the right. Google describes the new AdSense ads as being targeted and non-intrusive to the video viewing experience. The company touts the fact that the new AdSense ads do not block any of the YouTube video content, which will ensure a "smooth user experience," according to introductory information on the Google Web site. An example page from YouTube showing information about the new YouTube AdSense program is shown below: 
( Click to Enlarge ) ADSENSE FOR YOUTUBE With the increasing popularity of online video content, Google's new program could allow Web site owners the ability to generate additional income by placing embedded YouTube content on their Web sites, in the process helping Google to expand the reach of both it's AdSense and YouTube ventures. Last fall Google purchased YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock compensation. Many Web site owners eagerly await an official announcement from Google regarding this exciting addition to their AdSense and YouTube services. Related Links:
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10:29 am on Oct. 1, 2007 (utc 0)