Microsoft has extended the capabilities of Windows Live Messenger and has integrated the instant messaging client and service with its YouTube clone, Soapbox. Via the added functionally, Windows Live Messenger users will be able to watch Soapbox videos live and in real time together with all of their friends.

Currently, Soapbox on MSN Video is still an invitation only based beta. But Microsoft is continually expanding access to the online video service, so all you have to do is request an invitation.

The MSN Soapbox Team revealed how the Soapbox and Messenger integration works: "If at any time you would like to watch a video with one of your Messenger contacts, just click on the "share" tab under a Soapbox Video and select "IM this video." If you are already signed into Messenger, this will prompt you to choose which contact you would like to watch the video with. If you are not signed in, you will be prompted to do so. Choose the contact, and once the person has accepted your invitation - boom the Messenger Activity Window will launch, with the player in full view. You can now watch the video with your friends and chat about it, all at the same time."

At this point in time, Windows Live Messenger users will only be able to share Spoapbox videos among themselves. The Soapbox and Messenger interoperability has not been transitioned to Yahoo Messenger, although the two instant messaging clients are also interoperable on a certain level. The MSN Soapbox Team has failed to mention if there are plans to extend the capability to Yahoo Messenger. "We will be adding more functionality in the future, but think this is a great start in integrating Soapbox closely with Messenger," is all that the MSN Soapbox Team revealed of their future plans.