Viacom signs deal to distribute content via Joost

Well, it looks like Joost is working hard to overcome one of the online video provider's biggest criticisms: lack of any content people would actually want to watch. First the company adds classic cartoons, reality shows, and National Geographic documentary content. And now it looks like they've worked out an agreement with Viacom to provide videos from MTV, BET, and Paramount Pictures.

The announcement follows news that Viacom asked YouTube to remove more than 100,000 copyrighted videos from its site. Apparently Joost claims that it can provide tighter copyright protection than YouTube, and it's probably a safe bet that Viacom will receive a higher percentage of any revenue generated from the Joost deal: Joost needs a partner like Viacom a whole lot more than YouTube did.

Joost is still in closed beta, but you can apply to be a tester.