14 DAY TRIAL // The online video sharing site Metacafe has announced it will be introducing three new premium “entertainment hubs” in the UK, which will be available right from the homepage. The three categories initially introduced will be Movie Trailers, Music Videos and Sports Highlights. The video site boasts about a 40 percent growth in the UK from April 2008 to the same month this year and an impressive 86 percent growth worldwide in the same time period.
“Metacafe is committed to advancing online video as a media business, serving the needs of viewers, content creators and brand advertisers alike,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe. “Unlike online TV destinations and video-sharing platforms, Metacafe is committed to presenting the full spectrum of content in a way that provides today’s consumers the choice they demand and enables advertisers to connect with them when and where they are immersed in the entertainment experience.”
The Palo Alto, California startup initially funded by Highland Capital Partners and DAG Ventures aims to fill the gap between leading online video provider YouTube, which focuses on user-created content, and Hulu, which offers full-length TV shows, by providing professional content that comes in a shorter format like TV show highlights, movie trailers or music videos.
In addition to the newly launched hubs, Metacafe also announced the new head of UK content, Tim Rottach, who recently joined the company. “With nearly 40 million people in the UK watching online video each month, the digital opportunity is a compelling one for content providers and brand advertisers alike,” Rottach said. “Metacafe’s focus on connecting viewers with the videos they love and advertisers with the consumers they serve is driving our continued momentum as a leader in this sector. The move to add and showcase more premium content will further accelerate that momentum.”