USA Today Launches Will Keck CelebWatch Video Widget

USA Today recently launched the "CelebWatch with Will Keck" video widget (click here) , showing the latest videos from his popular CelebWatch segment on USAToday.com. The weekly shows consist of interviews with Hollywood stars - from Paris Hilton to Leonard Nemoy.

This widget is unique for a few reasons, most notably because users can view the video in its entirety right in the widget. Many times publishers will only show a headline and thumbnail, requiring users to click through to a video player on the publisher's site. In this case, USAToday is giving users access to the entire video, and inviting them to click through the widget to see previous episodes.

Secondly, they've done a great job in monetizing the video. The current sponsor is American Express, which is flashed (almost literally) at the beginning of the video and then promoted again at the end with a full commercial.

Last but certainly not least, the widget also includes the latest headlines from USA Today's Lifeline Live blog (http://blogs.usatoday.com/entertainment/), giving users a well rounded view into what's happening in entertainment from one spot.

In short - its a great, well balanced widget that combines the right amount of quality content with sponsorship and easy 'click and go' sharing through NewsGator's widget framework.