YouTube Launches International Sites

PARIS, June 19: The Google-owned online video community
YouTube has launched local sites in Brazil, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the
Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the U.K.

As part of this first-stage rollout, each of the nine sites
is fully translated, with local homepages and search functions. Over time, each
will feature country-specific video rankings and comments, as well as Video,
Channel, Categories and Community sections. YouTube has already signed
international content partners including the BBC, France 24, Spain’s Antena 3
and Cuatro TV, Portugal’s RTP, VPRO and NPO in the Netherlands and European football
clubs such as Chelsea FC, AC Milan, Barcelona FC and Real Madrid.

"Video is universal and allows people around the world
to communicate and exchange ideas,” said Chad Hurley, YouTube's co-founder and
CEO. “With our announcement today we are expanding upon our already global
platform to make it even more relevant for our local communities. YouTube will
now be more accessible and interesting to a worldwide audience, and we look
forward to rolling out in other countries in the months to come."