You Tube To Feature “Click To Buy” Links

Posted by Gwyddia on October 12, 2008

From Computerworld.com and other sources, it seems that Google has finally found a way to turn a profit on YouTube. Starting with Spore, the popular web video site will include a “click to buy” link on certain game and music videos. At the time of this writing that link will simply lead to Amazon, iTunes or EMI, but plans for full-blown digital distribution may not be far behind.

Google has been trying to find a way to make YouTube profitable since they acquired it in 2006. These new ties with legitimate and saleable content will go a long way toward that goal. This move may also help Google defend the $1 billion copyright lawsuit lodged by Viacom by demonstrating that Google is making appropriate connections with rightsholders. Of course, it may just provide more assets for Viacom to milk if it wins.

It seems that Google via YouTube is taking an important step toward transforming digital video and game purchases. If they play their cards right, YouTube Click to Buy could be to video and games what iTunes was to music.

Popularity: 4% [?]