Integrated digital marketing solution provider ikoo has launched the first-of-its-kind video advertising solutions in the region.

A press release says that ikoo Video is part of ikoo’s efforts to unveil new, innovative and locally adapted products in the market.

The launch of ikoo Video comes at a time when video is fast emerging as a serious contender for online advertisement budgets across the region.

With its wide offering of video advertising solutions, ikoo is set to take video content and reach new levels, amid a surge in online video consumption across the region, thanks to advanced telecommunication networks, which have facilitated better connectivity.

The changes in consumer behavior in online space are also playing a pivotal role in shifting viewership more toward video.

According to research, over six billion hours of video content is being consumed worldwide per month on predominant video channels and this trend is expected to rise. The release said ikoo is tapping into this segment by generating video content to run promotional materials — from linear videos that run before, during or after the main content to non-linear overlays that run simultaneously with the requested content without disrupting the user experience.

Video advertising is gaining momentum in the digital advertising world across MENA. This is primarily driven by the massive improvement of the Internet speed.

Wisam Edgheim, director, video & premium reach at ikoo, said: “There has been a major change in consumer habits in entertainment consumption. Technology is driving consumer behavior and not the other way around.”

The release said ikoo Video offers advertisers an increased brand engagement level with their customers as the website’s content is more relevant to their viewers — it is in the local language, caters to local culture, interest and lifestyle. Also, the sites boast a very high quality content and audience.

The content is creatively structured and allows the video to be liked, shared on social media platforms and made viral.