Microsoft and AOL have forged an alliance when it comes to distributing video content. According to a new press release, AOL has signed a video distribution deal with Microsoft that begins this summer and involves displaying video content on MSN and Bing Apps for Windows.
“Beginning this summer, content from AOL brands like HuffPost Live, TechCrunch and Moviefone, as well as partner sites including ESPN, TMZ, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart will be available on MSN and Bing Apps for Windows and Windows Phone helping both companies provide consumers with the best possible experience. Through this partnership, relevant videos from AOL’s library of nearly 900,000 will be distributed on Microsoft video platforms, including MSN, with an audience of nearly 450 million unique visitors worldwide each month, and Bing Apps for Windows and Windows Phone,” AOL stated in an official press release today.
The video library will include content from fifteen AOL ON channels, as well as from a lineup of new and original series that will debut next week. According to AOL, this content will enhance the user experience across Microsoft’s family of devices and services, and will also deliver some of the best content.
As Recode notes, Microsoft plans on running the video content on the MSN portal, along with Bing apps that run on both Windows and Windows Phone. Microsoft will share the advertising revenue with AOL.
“Microsoft’s suite of devices and services is unmatched, and its loyal audiences are constantly seeking new and refreshed offerings on their platforms. We have an open strategy for distributing our premium content, and we’re proud to partner with Microsoft to enhance their video experience,” said Ran Harnevo, President of AOL Video. “As anyone who watches the online video space knows, AOL has seen tremendous audience growth over the last few years — views for our content are up nearly 75% in the last year alone — and the sheer scale of Microsoft’s network will help us reach a massive new audience and continue our climb.”
Scott Ferris, GM of Emerging Media and Video Advertising at Microsoft, was pleased that the company could bring quality AOL video content to consumers across all of Microsoft’s screens. “It is our goal to provide the best experience possible to our audience no matter where they are, and this content will improve our ability to delight our customers,” he adds.