YouTube has launched a new feature called a Call to Action Overlay. Exactly how it sounds, it is a semi-transparent ad that can appear over videos, and -check this out- enables marketers to send viewers to any chosen website!

If you are familier with YouTube you may think to yourself, "didn't that already exist?" but crazy enough, it didn't, not on YouTube. Before the overlay, an enterprising marketer who wanted people to get more information had to put a link in the info section, on the right hand side of the video where most people never look.

BUT NOW, your message can be seen front and center!

A few caveats: These messages can only be used in videos with YouTube's cost per click Promoted Videos program. Also you have to be registered  as an Adwords client to utilize this offer.

I'm not saying it's not worth the effort! This program was beta-tested with a few selected brands and charities and at least one non-profit claims it was able to raise $10k in a single day as a result of an overlay with a link to it's website. Not bad at all.

The bottom line is this... With this program you can provide great media to viewers and add to the experience by showing them where to go to get more information about your work, your cause, or make a donation or an impulse buy. Just one more great opportunity to turn a vist into an conversion.

Learn more about optimizing the potential of this program here.

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