Google Officially Announces AdSense-Embedded YouTube Video Units

Not too long ago, I discovered that YouTube had quietly added a new page explaining new video units with embedded AdSense ads that bloggers and website owners could implement to earn additional revenue.

At that time, however, there was no link for users to add this feature to their account and there was no mention of it within the pages at the AdSense website.

Today, video units have been officially launched by Google, complete with an example and new informational videos on the AdSense blog, to provide a better understanding.

Before using video units, website owners must have an AdSense account and a YouTube account, both of which must be linked to work together. After that, users simply login to the AdSense account, select AdSense Setup, then choose video units as the product. This process then leads into the YouTube website, where customization of the video unit can be completed.

This new feature for users of Google AdSense seems to build upon the customizable video player launched in July. Users have a choice between three different player sizes, which include customizable layouts and color schemes.

The embedding process remains as simple as the copy-and-paste method that has been in use with both AdSense and YouTube. "Simply embed a snippet of code and have relevant YouTube partner content streamed to your site."

In addition to the small advertisement placed above the video (known as companion ads) in the new video units, there are also text overlay ads that shows across the bottom 20% of the video and remain slightly transparent and non-intrusive.

With AdSense video units, there are three ways users can choose video content, which includes:

1. Selecting individual YouTube partners who have already chosen to distribute their videos along with targeted ads,
2. Selecting specific content categories, topics and themes which display relevant videos and ads on your site, and
3. Automatic targeting, which users can assist by providing relevant keywords.

Furthermore, revenue earned from the two types of ads (companion and overlay) can be paid on either a cost-per-click or cost-per-thousand impression basis, as is explained in the Video Units Help Center.

Soon you will see these video units playing all over the web, which is almost certain given that AdSense is one of the most widely used advertising programs on the web and YouTube is the undisputed king of the ring as far as video is concerned. Now, we just have to sit back and wait to see how successful these AdSense-embedded video units are for both publishers and advertisers.