With the explosion of video content on the Web, it’s no surprise that video advertising has seen impressive growth rates. Forrester estimates that online video advertising will grow to more than $4 billion in 2011. Compelling stats for those in the advertising business. So compelling that today we announced the acquisition of Maven Networks, an industry-leading video platform provider.

This Cambridge, Massachusetts, start-up has developed a video publishing platform that boasts partnerships with more than 30 major media companies, including Fox News, Scripps Network (properties like HGTV and The Food Network), Gannett (including USAToday.com), Sony BMG, CBS Sports, Hearst Magazines, CNET, and the Financial Times. A list that grows more distinguished as time goes on. Maven helps these publishers distribute and/or monetize their content through a unique new advertising platform, which includes a great new non-intrusive ad format.

Adding Maven to our arsenal of capabilities is an important milestone as we focus on providing advertisers and publishers the best possible tools for reaching their audiences — on our network and beyond. For advertisers, it means more inventory, more choice, more audience reach. For publishers, it means being able to better monetize their content and reach more eyeballs. For consumers, it means consistently free access to high-quality video content and ads that are less disruptive, more relevant. It’s win-win all around.

We’re delighted to welcome the Maven team (led by founder and CEO Hilmi Ozguc) and its fantastic technology to the Yahoo! family. We look forward to joining forces to take video to the next level.

Hilary Schneider
EVP Global Partner Solutions