Viral video is alive and booming in teen markets with YouTube a little shy of 10 million unique users per month. Outside of the user-generated content, major networks and content providers have been shifting efforts to online video, most notably ESPN, About.com, and Sony through its acquisition of Grouper.com last month.
Forbes.com is hoping that viral video is a trend that will translate to the business world. The business resource upgraded its video network at www.forbes.com/video to feature a larger player, program guide, “send-a-friend” e-mail option and RSS alerts for upcoming programs.
Current Forbes.com advertisers, including Microsoft, Barclays, Coldwell Banker and Audi, can run in-program advertising options: pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll, as well as an adjacent window unit that displays in tandem with the corresponding video ad.
The network produces about 10 to 15 programs each business day, including news bulletins, StreetTalk with Bob Lenzner, MoneyMasters with Vajan Janjigian and interviews with notable individuals and business leaders. Rcent guests have included Reverend Jerry Falwell, the American Stock Exchange chairman, CEO Neal Wolkoff, philanthropist David Rockefeller and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
More recurring programs for the network are in development.
The improved video player has iTunes compatibility in which users can download and play the videos on personal players.
