YouTube Grows Up

YouTube is the most popular video site on the web with more than 330 million users. And while the site really generates little to no revenue, Google purchased it for $1.65 billion in 2006.  It has kind of been like that popular kid living off a trust-fund, with no need or requirement to get a real job and earn his keep.  Until now.YouTube is introducing longer format videos that include advertising.  The launch is with CBS and includes full-length episodes of popular shows ranging in length from 20 to 48 minutes.  In addition to offering the video free to viewers, there will be a "theater" mode to improve viewing experience.  See full story here.This sounds like a winner to me.  It would be great if they could offer geo-targeting for the advertisements that appear before/during/after the video to allow local marketers to get in on the action with viewers in their areas.