@ nerditry: I def think it can be hidden in plain sight, happens all the time with film and TV, it’s just a matter of understanding the lingua franca of the content. Also def. think that there are plenty of YT auteurs who have a consistent kind of content and number of viewers that it’s not a risky gambit – and agree with you that many of these buys will be short term, but that’s OK – it just takes a nimble client.

Unless the product placement can be hidden in plain sight both visually and informationally, this idea won’t fly.

Is it worth it for major companies to try and advertise when they have no idea how long a trend will last? Also, they’re getting much less bang for the buck as the timeline will force them to pickup talent well after the initial (and most important) impact of the video.

Not that we’re seeing Mr. Tanday splashing around the web these days…

It might be smarter to make creative planners and team leaders out of the people found online. Takes the pressure off having to come up with another bolt of lightning and allows for a more focused use of corporate resources.