The Puppy Channel Launches New Video and Social Features

Channemals, a company that operates a broadband video-enabled site called The Puppy Channel (thepuppychannel.com), contacted [itvt] Wednesday to let us know that--in time for the "Dog Days of August"--it has enhanced the site with various new video and social features. According to the company, the enhancements were made possible by "investment received in four successive quarters" and are part of an "expanded strategic plan" that was developed by "new partner," Scott Carmichael, who was previously involved with such services as JibJab.com (where he was a senior director), ElfYourself/StarringYou and Getback.com.

According to the company, The Puppy Channel now offers three categories of video: 1) curated videos found through weekly searches of the Web; 2) premium, professionally produced videos; and 3) user-generated videos. The site's UGC functionality is powered by Endavo Media's Internet TV platform, which Channemals says "powers media management and distribution, and allows pet brands to connect with the audience through banner and video ads, as well as sponsored segments and personal players." The site now also features a Ning-based community area called "Social Puppy" which Channemals says allows users to become friends; post videos, photos and stories about their pets; and develop their own localized social networks. As content accumulates, Channemals says (note: at this stage, "Social Puppy" is still very sparsely populated), the community area will "become organized into local networks of pet-lovers, specific breeds, videographers, rescuers and service organizations, among others."