Microsoft Switches on Messenger TV
Premium Video on demand now available through Windows Live Messenger
London, 12th MAY 2008 Microsoft today launches Messenger TV, a European innovation that brings together two of the most popular activities online – watching videos and chatting on Windows Live Messenger.
The new service will enable hundreds of millions of Windows Live Messenger customers to choose from an ever-growing range of premium content from MSN Video and watch it at the same time as their friends through Windows Live Messenger, all whilst being able to chat as part of their instant messaging conversation.
Chris Ward, said, “Online video has exploded in popularity over the last year, but to date it has been something people watch on their own. Messenger TV is set to change all that. Watching video online can now be a social experience, as people watch videos together, make comments and share reactions – all over Windows Live Messenger.”
According to ComScore Video Metrix, watching videos is now the third most popular online activity behind search and shopping. Jack Flanagan, Executive Vice President, ComScore, said, “In the past year, the emergence of online videos has exploded throughout Europe. In the UK alone, over 87% of the online population accounted for nearly 10 billion minutes.
“By bringing together the interactivity of messenger usage with the ability to view videos online with other people and interact while this occurs, creates a new best of breed application. The launch of Messenger TV harnesses the power of social connectivity and interaction into a new state of the art application that is likely to resonate very strongly in the online world for media companies, advertisers and consumers.”
Video usage figures are comparable in European markets, where watching online video attracts 84% of the online population in France and 81% in Germany.
Messenger TV users can choose content from the entire MSN Video channel. Viewers can enjoy some of the most popular content on the web from MTV shows such as ‘Pimp My Ride’ and ‘Punk’d’ to a wide selection of videos and exclusive footage from Sony BMG’s vast roster of superstar and emerging artists.
Gideon Bierer, MTVNI, Digital Media, SVP, said, “We are always looking for new ways to deliver our content, whenever and wherever our audience wants to be. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, Windows Live Messenger is a great opportunity, and MSN and MTV are a great partnership. Our content – short-form, animation, comedy and music-orientated – is perfectly suited for MSN’s audience while our brands are helping drive audiences to MSN’s video sites.”
Chris Ward, said, “Our vision for MSN is to provide what we call the social portal, combining content that informs and entertains with Windows Live services such as Windows Live Messenger, which foster community and sharing. Video is a key part of this strategy as we continue to forge strong alliances with leading publishers and content owners.”
Advertiser Opportunities
Messenger TV opens up a range of exciting new opportunities for advertisers, who can now reach their target audience via this pioneering social media platform, seamlessly integrating their brand into Windows Live Messenger conversations. Already big brand advertisers including Pepsi, 20th Century Fox and Mazda have signed up to run campaigns on Messenger TV in European markets.
Chris Ward, said, “We are always looking for original ways to reach consumers and by enabling us to tap into the new social trend of viewing video online, Messenger TV speaks to all our needs. We feel confident that the combination of premium video content and the highly engaged Windows Live Messenger audience will deliver a high impact advertising campaign for our Windows Live Services. We are delighted to be the first brand to advertise on Messenger TV in the UK, which we believe combines the best of online content with consumer conversation, creating a very attractive brand proposition.”
Ends
Note to Editors
Using Messenger TV is easy:
1. Start a regular text chat in Windows Live Messenger with a friend
2. Start Messenger TV from the list of activities within Windows Live Messenger
3. Browse the library of content on MSN Video
4. Choose your favourite clips and create a playlist from the vast selection of news, music, movie trailers, celebrity gossip and much more.
5. That’s it! You can now watch the same content at the same time as your friend! If you want to chat there’s no need to interrupt what you are watching – you can do it all over Windows Live Messenger.
For more information, press only:
Red Consultancy, (212) 529-7700, aps@redconsultancy.com
About MSN Video
MSN Video player provides an extensive array of videos, from breaking news to the latest in entertainment such as movie trailers and celebrity interviews and sports action. MSN video also offers user-generated content via its Soapbox service. The player features a split screen format that allows viewers to search for the next video to watch while concurrently watching a video.
About MSN and Windows Live
MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localised versions available globally in 42 markets including 18 in EMEA. MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live™, a comprehensive set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
