As anticipated, America Online today announced online video initiatives for finding and watching videos online. AOL officially launched its Video Search via both AOLSearch.com and its new beta portal. It is also previewing an enhanced version of the AOL(R) Video Player that integrates search and programming and supports major file formats to deliver inline playback for most videos.

AOL said its web video strategy will also offer more options for marketers to reach key audiences online, using video advertising through the new video player, which meets industry standards for in-stream video advertising.

AOL also announced that it plans to feature optimized video content feeds from HBO, Warner Bros, New York Times and About.com, Movielink, Broadway.com, CollegeHumor.com and Jokaroo.com. And as the exclusive online partner for Live 8, it will provide access to the concert performances on-demand for six weeks following the event.

The new AOL.com portal is expected to launch AOL's Video Hub, which will serve as a central location for music, news, sports and entertainment video programming that's integrated with both the new AOL Video Search and Video Player.