Disney to show ABC, ESPN videos on YouTube

Recently, we reported that Disney Co. was allegedly in talks with Hulu about offering shows from its ABC network on the NBC Universal/News Corp-owned online-video distributer.

As it turns out, Disney did the exact opposite. The company recently announced that it will show ABC and ESPN videos on YouTube, entering into a deal with Google that would split ad revenue from the partnership. Starting down a new advertising pathway, YouTube will allow Disney Media Network to sell advertising, including video pre-rolls, that is attached to its content.

The videos featured on YouTube will have a shorter format than those on Hulu, with pieces running five minutes or less—many featuring interviews, behind the scenes video and sneak peaks at upcoming episodes.

Disney may still be in talks with Hulu to show its full-length shows on the site, but confirmation is proving evasive.