VideoJug America is debuting on the back of the success of its British counterpart, which was launched by David Tabizel in September 2006. It has since generated 500,000 unique visitors a month, half of which come from North America.
The move is primarily designed to drive advertising revenue and VideoJug is offering topic sponsorship, individual film sponsorship and banner ads. The company will be developing US-focused content to appeal to American advertisers, adding to the current library of 2,000 free-to-view videos.
US firms are expected to task VideoJug with creating bespoke videos to show customers how to use their products, reflecting a UK trend. The website hosts user generated videos alongside the bespoke films, covering topics that include: beauty; DIY; leisure; food; drink and home.
In October The Sun signed a deal with VideoJug to offer its content on the newspaper's website.
Two executives from Vin Di Bona productions, best known for producing America's Funniest Home Videos, have been poached to lead the new team.
Peter Schankowitz, former VDB president of worldwide development, has been appointed as CEO, reporting to global CEO Dan Thompson. Schankowitz is also a former president of TV programming at Film Roman, where he oversaw production of 'The Simpsons' and 'King of the Hill'.
Paul Lapointe, former VDB chief financial officer, will report to Schankowitz, in the dual role of chief financial officer/chief operations officer.
According to Thompson: "The US audience has already shown a huge interest in VideoJug content and having a team on the ground in America is an important step towards growing and monetizing that audience.
"We're very excited by the commercial and creative opportunities VideoJug America will offer."
Schankowitz added: "Working alongside internet pioneers like Dan Thompson and founder David Tabizel to build our audience, form strategic partnerships and make VideoJug the one-stop source for credible wisdom and know-how is a challenge I take on with passion."