The communications planning network OMD has partnered with more than 15 clients in its portfolio to take the opportunity to advertise in their local YouTube platforms, many exclusively, during the launch phase.

The OMD move comes after YouTube’s recent release of four additional local domains in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

These local versions of YouTube provide visitors with a homepage featuring the most popular videos in their home country along with those that are rising in popularity. They also create a more effective channel for local content and rich targeting opportunities for advertisers.

OMD’s clients whose priority are consumers in their local market in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait or Oman have capitalized on the release in a number of ways, including banner advertisements on the homepage and take-overs.

“We’re always looking at creating new opportunities for our clients and, by partnering with YouTube across these new GCC countries, we are giving our brands a valuable first-mover advantage,” remarked Waseem Afzal, the head of digital at OMD.

“Digital video is an increasingly essential part of the communication mix and local opportunities across the GCC will only stimulate an unprecedented growth both in terms of influx of new content and viewership figures,” he stated.

According to him, OMD has been working closely with Google, providing clients with access to innovations and intelligence to factor into their strategies and plans.

“We work very closely with OMD as our partners. They clearly understand online advertising and the power of video for marketing brands. This expansion will allow their clients to leverage pan-Arab campaigns now across 12 key markets in Mena,” remarked Souheil Soueid, the head of agencies (Mena).-TradeArabia News Service