Video advertising provider YuMe released a new product feature which it hopes will work to increase the brand engagement factor of video ads.

The new YuMe pre-roll ad (see below) enables brands to select up to three optional links as overlay buttons on their video ads, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, other websites, offers, and dealer/retail information. This format replaces the current pre-roll format from YuMe and commands the same CPM as a traditional video-only pre-roll.

“Consumers are actively consuming online video and brand advertisers are getting more adventurous and creative about their cross-screen video ad campaigns and offering consumers more ways to interact with their brands,” said YuMe CEO Jayant Kadambi. “These new interactive video ad formats will help brands connect the dots and engage with consumers more fully wherever they are viewing content — whether it be on their phone, PC or TV.”

Screenshot of YuMe pre-roll ad - note the social media icons in the lower left.