PluggedIn, a startup that we likened to a Hulu for music videos, has launched a new twice-weekly video program called “PluggedIn 5″ featuring popular video blogger iJustine. The site, whose investors include actor Will Smith, is looking to capitalize on the lack of music content on television channels like MTV and will be presenting a handful of music videos based on a weekly theme alongside originally produced content.
PluggedIn has a large library of music videos secured through deals with the major record labels, many of which are presented in HD or near-HD quality that is much better than what can be seen on YouTube and most other music sites. While PluggedIn launched to the public last April, co-founder Brett O’Brien says that the last six months have primarily been spent on perfecting the site, and that the company is only now beginning to focus on generating traffic and awareness.
Host iJustine has made a name for herself lifecasting and video blogging, and also scored major headlines when she posted her 300 page iPhone bill. The show will be putting on American Idol-like competitions to help choose more VJ’s in the future.
It seems that music sites are increasingly using original video content as a way to differentiate themselves from the many well established sites that are already available. Earlier this month we saw the launch of LP33.tv, a music site/music label hybrid that has a heavy emphasis on studio produced and live concert video content.
Alongside the show’s launch, PluggedIn is introducing a new homepage and is also releasing an Adobe AIR application that will allow users to automatically update their profiles with their favorite artists based on music files on their hard drive.
Here’s a sample of the new series:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/mnr_lib/200808/players/player-single.swf?job=35633
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