AOL is launching version 2.0 of its connected TV app for Samsung Electronics, Sony Electronics and Roku over-the-top devices, adding the ability to serve pre-roll ads against 380,000-plus short-form video clips.
The AOL On app, previously known as AOL HD, will let advertisers run campaigns via pre-roll ad units across AOL On's premium, content from properties including Comcast's E!, Reuters, AP, BBC, Newsy, Entertainment Tonight, Sugar, Splash News, CNET and Gourmet TV, as well as AOL's own Moviefone, Engadget and HuffPost Entertainment.
The upgraded app also has a redesigned user interface. Version 2.0 is currently in beta testing on TiVo Premiere DVRs, scheduled to be generally available to users in the next few weeks, and AOL expects to add more platforms.
"One of the primary barriers to mainstream adoption of connected TVs has been the lack of good content," said Rob DelaCruz, general manager of connected TV and mobile video for The AOL On Network. "By drawing from The AOL On Network's massive video library, we're able to address this issue with a steady stream of fresh, relevant content that speaks to the topics our viewers are interested in now."
