AOL, Microsoft Sign Video Distribution Deal

AOL Inc. announced today that it has signed a video distribution deal with Microsoft. Beginning this summer, content from AOL brands like HuffPost Live, TechCrunch and Moviefone, as well as partner sites including ESPN, TMZ, Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart will be available on MSN and Bing Apps for Windows and Windows Phone helping both companies provide consumers with the best possible experience. Through this partnership, relevant videos from AOL's library of nearly 900,000 will be distributed on Microsoft video platforms, including MSN, with an audience of nearly 450 million unique visitors worldwide each month, and Bing Apps for Windows and Windows Phone. The AOL video library will include content from all 15 AOL On channels and its 2014 slate of original series that will be unveiled next week at the Digital Content NewFronts. This content will enhance the user experience across Microsoft's family of devices and services and delivers consumers some of the best content to the screens they use most in destinations around the globe. “Microsoft's suite of devices and services is unmatched, and its loyal audiences are constantly seeking new and refreshed offerings on their platforms. We have an open strategy for distributing our premium content, and we're proud to partner with Microsoft to enhance their video experience,” said Ran Harnevo, President of AOL Video. “As anyone who watches the online video space knows, AOL has seen tremendous audience growth over the last few years -- views for our content are up nearly 75% in the last year alone -- and the sheer scale of Microsoft's network will help us reach a massive new audience and continue our climb.”* “We're pleased to be able to bring this quality AOL video content to our audience across Microsoft's screens,” said Scott Ferris, GM of Emerging Media and Video Advertising at Microsoft. “It is our goal to provide the best experience possible to our audience no matter where they are, and this content will improve our ability to delight our customers.” *comScore VMX, March 2014 (Content only)