(30 December 2006 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Online video sharing site YouTube and Warner Music Group (WMG) have announced the YouTube New Year's Eve Countdown presented by Chevrolet.

The promotion will celebrate New Year's as it happens around the world with new videos featured every hour from New Zealand to Los Angeles.

As New Year's Eve rings in around the world, special messages from YouTube celebrities Boh3m3, Smosh, Terra Naomi, Renetto, Chad Vadar, The WineKone and YourTube News, as well as award-winning artists from WMG labels Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records and Warner Music International will be featured on the homepage.

In addition to videos from YouTube personalities, WMG will provide special video content from New Year's celebrations with its artists as well as music videos and concert footage. 'Almost-live' videos from New Year's concerts will be uploaded directly from the venues as the events occur with ShoZu-enabled mobile phones, featuring Fueled By Ramen/Atlantic Records artist Panic! At the Disco from New York City's Times Square, Atlantic Records artist Paolo Nutini from Scotland and Warner Bros. Records artists The Flaming Lips and the Goo Goo Dolls from Los Angeles, Mike Jones from Houston, Muse, My Chemical Romance from New York City's Times Square and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The New Year's Channel will also feature comedy skits from select performers as well as specially recorded live songs for the event.

YouTube director of advertising strategy Jamie Byrne says, "Our community served as the inspiration behind this idea. In 2006 we witnessed an influx of New Year's resolution and celebration video postings as the New Year began. Thanks to support from our users, Chevrolet, and exclusive content from Warner Music Group artists, we will be able to offer a special venue for the community and the world to share their New Year's celebrations and begin a new tradition."

YouTube is encouraging users to upload their New Year's resolutions and wishes for a chance to be featured on the homepage alongside the YouTube celebrities and Warner Music Group artists. Users can upload their videos in a special New Year's YouTube group at www.youtube.com/group/newyears.

Warner Music Group states that it is continually seeking new ways to empower our artists and their fans. This New Year's Eve Bash with YouTube further redefines how its artists and fans are coming together around the world through platforms that are transforming all of our lives.

On 31 December and 1 January 2007, Chevrolet will serve as the exclusive sponsor of YouTube which will feature a special edition homepage to host all of the specially created New Year's content.

Chevrolet GM Ed Peper says, "New Year's Eve is a truly global holiday and Chevrolet is a truly global brand. We sell cars and trucks in more than 120 countries around the world, so we're very happy to be part of YouTube's worldwide stage to showcase how different cultures celebrate New Year's Eve".

Featured New Year's YouTube messages will be posted by WMG artists including Adrienne Pauly, Beatsteaks, Big and Rich, Blake Shelton, Bloc Party, Brainstorm, Crime Mob, Cute Is What We Aim For, and Danity Kane.