The offering is expected to launch sometime next year.
Through the deal, AOL will allow video producers to syndicate their content on AOL.com and other AOL online properties.
According to Jeremy Allaire, Brightcove’s chairman and CEO, the company plans to build a large network of partners and offer content owners a range of broadband “channels” to reach viewers. The company intends to let video owners decide how best to profit from their content, whether through advertising or direct content sales.
“We are thrilled to get a major distribution agreement with AOL,” Allaire said. “[This] puts us in an incredible position to deliver our open Internet TV service and realize our mission to transform the media landscape by enabling video publishers to build broadband businesses that reach consumers directly through the Internet.”
American Online CEO Jonathan Miller said the deal comes in conjunction with other significant programming partnerships at AOL, including a recent AOL-Warner Bros. deal to offer episodes of old television shows on demand online through a service called “In2TV,” also scheduled for launch early next year.
“AOL’s partnership and investment with Brightcove builds on AOL's existing, industry-leading video offering,” Miller said. “By working with Brightcove, AOL is taking another important step forward in rounding-out our video offerings, providing consumers with a more robust and complete menu to choose from.”
AOL is just one of several companies signing on with Brightcove, which took in more than $16 million in a second round of financing this week. Other investors include IAC/InterActiveCorp., Hearst and Allen & Co., as well as several venture capital firms.
Brightcove was launched in March by Allaire, previously the chief technology officer for Macromedia.
