• Optimize and Prophesize , Thursday, January 3, 2008 1:45 PM

Have you ever noticed how much the ever-evolving YouTube video page mirrors a Google SERP?

Jonathan Mendez points out a number of similarities between the page layouts of Google's two properties, from the main logos nestled in to the upper left corner, to the fact that the search boxes are situated at the top of the screen on each.

But the most telling similarity is the inclusion of links to similar videos, related Web pages and ads on the right side of the YouTube page -- much like the sponsored links that appear on a Google SERP.

Mendez' theory is that Google is slowly but surely training YouTube users to look to the right side of the page for important, relevant information or calls-to-action. Once it becomes a habit, those millions of monthly video viewers will most likely exhibit the same behavior during a routine Google search -- possibly resulting in more clicks on right-side-sponsored links, and a steady stream of cash for advertisers (and of course, the search giant itself).

Read the whole story at Optimize and Prophesize »