• by Tanya Gazdik , August 4, 2008

AOL is relaunching its AOL Video portal today with new features and increased integration into the Web giant's varying programming sites.

Timed to the second anniversary of the original launch, the newly redesigned site provides access to over 200 million videos and a new feature to assist in finding relevant clips, as well as new advertising capabilities.

The redesigned site will now provide consumers with direct access to millions of free, high-quality videos including music videos, news clips, movie trailers, viral videos, and full-length TV shows. The new portal allows consumers to easily browse, search and play back their favorite videos. The retooled site now offers a new feature that will help consumers find relevant videos more quickly.

AOL Video (http://video.aol.com) is the only portal with video syndication deals with all four major networks and is the only portal with a deal with ESPN, according to an AOL spokesman.

The site will now be more tightly integrated into AOL programming sites and international properties including AOL Music, AOL Television and GameDaily. Consumers who access the portal's video search engine capability, powered by Truveo, will be sent into a combined AOL Programming/AOL Video experience, designed to integrate the AOL Video experiences inside of the relevant AOL programming channel.

New ad opportunities include custom video channel sponsorships, which take advantage of contextual placement capabilities that enable advertising to be presented on a channel, category or content level.

"The redesigned AOL Video portal builds upon what we've learned is the critical importance of combining industry-leading technology with a unique, easy-to-navigate user experience," said AOL EVP Kevin Conroy in a statement. "As video usage continues to skyrocket, we're excited to offer consumers a compelling all-in-one destination for accessing their favorite clips and shows, while now also providing new community features that help viewers discover and share additional relevant programming."