AOL and Microsoft in global video partnership

AOL and Microsoft have agreed on a new global video distribution deal, with content from AOL brands to be available on MSN and Bing Apps for Windows and Windows Phone.

The deal will include content from AOL’s new ‘On’ video platform, which launched in March. Branded content includes the likes of TechCrunch and HuffPost Live, as well as ESPN.
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.
The AOL video library will include content from all 15 AOL On channels and its 2014 slate of original series that will be unveiled next week at the Digital Content NewFronts.
“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.”*
“We’re pleased to be able to bring this quality AOL video content to our audience across Microsoft’s screens,” said Scott Ferris, GM of Emerging Media and Video Advertising at Microsoft. “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.”