YouTube Payola: Is Anyone Paying for Views?
YouTube has always been very clear about the separation of editorial content and sponsored ads on its site: While the site is eager to sell advertising, placements as “featured” or “promoted” videos–incredibly valuable, high-traffic spots on the homepage–are not for sale. The “featured” and “promoted” videos on the homepage are chosen by editorial criteria, and, in theory, are not influenced by who is spending money to advertise. Or are they?




