The has leaped in popularity since its launch in February 2005, with around 65,000 videos being uploaded every day and 20m unique users a month, according to Nielsen\\NetRatings.
Now it is looking at how to convert this popularity into revenue. It already sells display advertising and text advertising based on searches.
Warner Bros has taken the first homepage video ad spot with a film inviting users to visit a channel dedicated to Paris Hilton, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the heiress making her album, 'Paris'.
There is also an ad for the Fox television series 'Prison Break'.
Advertisers may be wary about using the service because, as with all the other videos hosted on the site, users can rate their offerings. The Paris Hilton video currently has two stars out of five, after 1,140 votes.
According to The Wall Street Journal today, advertisers who pay to have their videos displayed on the YouTube homepage will be charged based on the number of visitors, regardless of how many plays the videos receive. As with other videos on the site, users will have to click on them to play.
Last week, it was revealed that YouTube was planning to host every music video ever made on the site. It is in talks with music companies including EMI and Warner Music about hosting old and current music videos for its users to view for free.
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