Through YouTube's Insight analytics offering (via Google Analytics), users can now keep track of new data on how their videos are faring. Previously-unavailable information includes bounce rates, length of visit, page views, and return visits.

"For those who want to tailor their videos to a specific audience, Google Analytics also provides info about where viewers are located geographically and what languages they speak," the YouTube Biz Blog helpfully adds.

The new analytics offerings were positioned as a way for companies to use YouTube as "the world's largest focus group," a description C|Net acknowledged as apt: on the video site, "[commercials] or other promotional content can be watched repeatedly and at any hour of the day. Users are also able to rate the video and leave feedback, either in the comments or by private message."

It may also serve as a gateway for casual Analytics users to transition into Google's AdWords program, the publication added.

In April, 119 billion unique American viewers watched seven trillion total video streams, reported Nielsen. Year over year, total streams were up 24%, streams per viewer up 27% and time per viewer up 58% percent.

The vast majority of these views are served by Youtube, which ranked No. 5 in the top 10 web brands for April 2009 (behind Google, Yahoo, MSN/Windows Live and Microsoft).

Last month YouTube launched a dedicated destination for TV shows, as well as an improved subsite for movies.