Source: Kickstart Inc.

In Less Than One Year, Online Video Newcomer MyPod Studios Gives Hulu and Others a Run for Their Money

Using a "Gated Model", MyPod Studios Experiences Explosive Growth; Signs Five New Content Partners

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Feb 16, 2012) - MyPod Studios (MPS), a new premium online video community that launched in September 2011, captured more than five million unique viewers in December according to the most recent audience tracking data by QuantCast, making it the 191st most trafficked site in the nation, right behind collegehumor.com, blip.tv and cbsnews.com and just five spots behind hulu.com. Additionally, MPS visitors are increasingly viewing for longer periods of time, with TOS (time on site) more than doubling from December to January, and returning more often, with repeat traffic averaging close to 30%, as new content and features have been unveiled.

Further extending its momentum, MPS recently signed five new content partners: Howdini.com, OpenFilms, MotorSport, Grab Networks and Phuneware. Unlike many competing streaming video sites that rely heavily on amateur content, MPS is pioneering a gated community model, allowing only videos from pre-approved partners. Because of its unique model, MPS has been able to achieve profitable status in just under a year and with less than a half million dollars in venture funding.

"We attribute our rapid growth in this crowded market to the fact that we tapped into a need with MPS -- both on the consumer and advertiser front," said Jay Miletsky, founder and CEO. "Consumers don't have time to wade through hours of video to find something tailored to their interests, so we do it for them. And because we're so successful in attracting viewers, advertisers feel confident marketing through our site."

The online video market is surging with more and more people turning to their computer screens for entertainment. Last month alone, more than 175 million people tuned into the top ten online video sites according to ComScore. The MPS gated model is in direct opposition to several industry leaders, most notably, YouTube, which uploads 60 hours of new content every minute. MPS's set of 5,000 videos provide content across eight categories including food and drink, health and fitness, entertainment, gaming, sports and more. To further keep its viewers engaged, next month MPS will expand its video network format with multiple hosts to help viewers navigate and find the type of entertainment they are looking for.

"The MyPod team has been impressive from the start, focused on quality of time spent on the site, the user experience and watchable content," said Andrew Reis, co-founder of Tremor Media and an investor in MyPodStudios. "The gated approach has allowed MPS to curate programming so that it is highly engaging and keeps people watching which is obviously important to advertisers."

About myPodStudios.com
MyPodStudios.com (MPS), based in New York City, is a new streaming video site that includes over 5,000 videos across eight different content categories. Partnering with premiere content developers, MPS presents a curated selection of pre-screened, pre-qualified videos so that consumers don't have to spend time wading through amateur fare. MPS launched in the Fall of 2011 with backing from Black Ocean Video. For more information visit www.mypodstudios.com

Contact Information:

Media Contact:
Amanda Orr
Traeger Communications

202-459-1304