Adsense is now starting to make an appearance at YouTube, news that is long overdue, but Google unveiled the new feature so quietly and discreetly that I discovered it at Problogger and not at YouTube, which I use almost daily.

I’m surprised it’s taken this long to happen, considering the fact that blogs all around the world use both AdSense and embedded YouTube video players but never together. Now AdSense will be in the embedded YouTube video players that reside all over the web.

As of yet, there is no word on when this program is set to launch, but there is an active page at YouTube’s website, which explains the benefits. Will ads above videos be anywhere near as relevant or successful as Google’s basic text ads though?

Customizable Video Players

The video units will apparently be based upon the new, customizable video players that YouTube is offering all users. Features of the new player include the ability to change the theme color, layout, and even create a playlist of videos to be played.

As far as ad placement, YouTube states that “ads appear as part of the YouTube player and outside of the video content to ensure a smooth user experience,” which still leaves me wondering whether a video plays in the player when the ad is clicked or whether it takes you to a new website. 

When it comes to what videos will be able to be played with AdSense features, Pete Cashmore noted that it seems Google has signed “a number of premium content providers who are happy to have their content shared in this way.”

So far, I have yet to see the AdSense player active at any websites, other than the YouTube homepage which has displayed the units right at the top of the page. 

Testing Underway

I am assuming, however, that some sort of testing is underway (similar to early testing for AdSense for Mobile) that is most likely limited to a small group of top AdSense publishers (even though Darren Rowse seems to have somehow been left out).

The Video Units page at YouTube even ends saying, “Visit the Video Units section at YouTube.com by clicking the button below and start creating your player today.” 

The only problem is, there is no button underneath that line, but rather a link to sign up for AdSense that takes you away from the YouTube website.

Whatever the case may be, at least we now know that AdSense is coming to YouTube… soon!

Michael Garrett is a contributing author discussing the social networking world, his work can be found on Profy.com

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