Google’s Chrome Going Television

This weekend, Google (NYSE: GOOG) will advertise its chrome web browser on television. While the firm does little traditional advertising, it has utilized billboards, radio and even full advertising wraps on commuter buses to increase consumer awareness of specific products. Now, it is Google’s browser’s turn – on television. The advertisement, titled “Evolution of Simple,” is actually one of eleven ‘viral videos’ commissioned by Google. The videos have been variously available on The Google Chrome Channel on YouTube since January. The “Evolution is Simple” (titled on YouTube as Google Chrome, Japan) video was produced by Google Japan.

According to The Official Google Blog (http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/google-chrome-ads-on-tv.html), the move is to both raise awareness of Google’s browser, Chrome, and help Google better understand how television can supplement other online media campaigns. Also, according to the blog, Google TV Ads developed the campaign using results from placement-targeted ads on the Google Content Network.

Friday, Google Chrome was featured prominently on the front page of the New York Times website. According to the Wall Street Journal Online and the WSJ Blog, Digits, Google had considered a television campaign during the Olympics, but the company’s founders disapproved the move.

Google shares finished Friday, May 8, 2009 at $407.33 up from $402.85 the previous day.