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About.com, a producer of original content has added 500 new videos to the site, expanding its online video initiative. Visitors to the site will have more choices in, and better access to video content which covers several of the site’s key channels including: Home, Autos, Computing and Gadgets, Food, Health and Parenting, in topics ranging from simple how-to’s to specialized themes.

“By drawing from individual area experts, and leveraging advancements in technology, we have created a scalable method for producing broadband programming that allows us to quickly and significantly increase the number of videos we can offer users,” said Scott Meyer, president and CEO, About.com. “We are essentially extending our model, which has been so successful in text and image creation, into video.”

The new in-page player will allow users to interact with various types of About.com content, including text and images. Visitors to the site can access video through external search engines as well as the homepage. With the expanded video and the in-page player the site plans to offer a larger amount of advertising opportunities. The site uses Brightcove technology to power the player and host and serve the videos.

“This approach responds to the changing demands of users who increasingly want new ways to interact with relevant content online while fulfilling the needs of advertisers who are seeking more creative ways to reach consumers through Web video,” continued Mr. Meyer.

On average the site draws 32 million monthly visitors according to Nielsen//NetRatings. GuideSites on About.com are created by a network of 588 guides who are knowledgeable in their fields. Guides provide users with information that is relevant and useful.

The site was founded in 1996 and acquired by The New York Times Company in March 2005.

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