Kyte launches mobile ad options

Tue Nov 25 2008, 17:39 PM

Online video platform Kyte is launching a new service allowing brands to monetise mobile video content.

Branded Mobile Web allows publishers to place ads around videos accessed from mobile handsets - the same branding options currently available on Kyte's full online platform.

Publishers can activate mobile banner ads and enable comments and chat functions, while the content will be automatically optimised based on the handset the consumer uses. The service launch rolls out with the release of branded mobile channels by Interscope artists All American Rejects and Lady Gaga.

The mobile update comes as Kyte is enabling users to monetise online video using Google's AdSense for Video platform for the first time. Publishers can now use the Google inventory to run pre-roll, text and graphic overlay ads on their videos.

Kyte founded its video streaming platform in Dec 2006. While supporting user generated content, the site has been shifting its focus to large brands and content producers. The firm raised USD15m in Series B funding in December 2007, which was topped up by an extra USD6.1m in March this year. Among its investors are TeliaSonera and Disney's investment arm Steamboat Ventures.