Affiliate Networks and the Video Deficit

There has been a lot of talk in the past year or so about video in affiliate marketing, but it seems like the explosive advertising opportunity is being ignored by the affiliate networks.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are plenty of other companies that are more than happy to fill the void.

Last week, there was a lot of fuss about Google AdSense Video Units, but that’s not the only game in town for affiliates in video.

Other players in the video arena that are providing affiliates with the opportunity to earn commissions include Adotube.com, Blinkx, Magnify.net, Metacafe, Qoof, and Revver.

Shortly before the launch of the AdSense Video Units, Buy.com announced new video widgets powered by Toldya.

When I was setting up the widget, it occurred to me that CJ barely plays a role in the process. Toldya is bringing something unique to the table, and they are providing the code for the widget. The affiliate is responsible for plugging in their CJ PID in the Toldya interface.

Is this the future of affiliate video? If so, I think the affiliate networks ought to be concerned that there will come a day when they are no longer part of the equation.

Wake up, folks. You’re giving away the relationships without a fight. Bring a unique video proposition to the table before it’s too late.

Or start talking to folks like Steve Rosenbaum of Magnify.net about integrating your advertisers into his community.