The move ended speculation that Google would replace its homegrown video service with YouTube, which it bought last year for $1.6 billion. YouTube drew 29.5 million unique monthly visitors in December--nearly double Google Video's 15 million, according to comScore Media Metrix. Users also spend twice as much time on YouTube--at about 20 minutes per session, compared to 10 minutes on Google Video, according to Hitwise.

"YouTube, as we've stated previously, will remain an independent subsidiary of Google, and will continue to operate separately," according to a joint statement by the companies. It also said the companies would play to their respective strengths--YouTube as an entertainment destination, and Google in search.

"Over time, Google Video will become even more comprehensive as it evolves into a service where users can search for the world's online video content, irrespective of where it may be hosted," according to a YouTube spokesman. So in effect, Google Video will serve as a conduit for YouTube, rather than trying to compete directly with its sister video site.

In a separate announcement Thursday, YouTube said it plans to create a gallery of this year's Super Bowl ads that will be available on the site immediately following the game on Feb. 4. The promotion will include a new drag-and-drop voting feature that will allow visitors to vote for their favorite ads. The top-ranked commercial will be featured prominently on the YouTube home page on Feb. 6.

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