Google Pulls video Advertising

The search giant has decided to close AdSense video ads.

Of course, much like its behavorial targeting feature, which it called “interest-based”, it’s not using harsh words like close or shut down, it’s saying sunsetting and retire, as if it’s going to a vacation dead pool. Anyway, Google says the video units feature, which allowed users to show YouTube content and ads on their pages, will stop at the end of April.

The option to sign up for video units is no longer available to new publishers.

“If any of our affiliates are currently displaying video units, we recommend that you start removing the video unit code from your pages as soon as possible so you can optimize your available ad space in advance. Please be assured that any earnings you’ve generated from video units in the past will still be credited to your AdSense account.”

Google is also going to be separating Youtube’s premium and long-form programming from the user-posted videos that account for most of its activity, according to ClickZ. So while Hulu keeps fighting to bring on more content providers, like Disney, Youtube seems to be turning into a Hulu, including adding video insertion ads.