MySpace Launches Branded Channels

Joost isn't the only company offering legitimate television shows on your computer anymore. MySpace is using its existing video clout to step into the ring.

Already a dominant player in the online video arena, MySpace announced Tuesday that it would be offering “branded channels” alongside its traditional user-uploaded videos. By securing content from  players like National Geographic, The New York Times, and Reuters, MySpace may be trying to get a toehold in the “TV-on-your-computer” market, currently dominated by newcomer Joost.

Many of MySpace’s planned content partners already overlap with Joost’s. National Geographic, Reuters and LX.TV all already serve up video on the rival network. Whether MySpace will get different content from the same providers remains to be seen.

MySpace does, however, have a lot of other content up its sleeves, including animated shorts from around the world on the Animation Show, compiled online video on The Daily Reel, how-to shows on Expert Village, gaming coverage on IGN Entertainment, MTV-esque programming on Kush TV, male entertainment on RipeTV, automotive shows on OctaneTV, hip-hop shows on Flow, extreme sports on Studio411, underground shows on VBS.tv, and celebrity coverage on Young Hollywood.

“The upcoming branded channel launch continues the growing momentum of MySpace Video,” said Jeff Berman, General Manager of Video and SVP of Public Affairs for MySpace, in a statement. “We’re empowering our partners to customize their own video channels and use them as hubs to create a niche experience for users. Today’s announcement is a sign of things to come for MySpace Video.”