System and method for providing media samples on-line in response to media related searches on the internet
View Patent ↗A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.
1. A system comprising:
a plurality of internet-connected consumer devices configured for transmitting search requests online, the consumer devices including media players;
means for receiving consumer search requests from the consumer devices, wherein the means for receiving consumer search requests receives a search request from one of the consumer devices, wherein the search request comprises a keyword, and wherein the means for receiving consumer search requests searches a first database comprising unsponsored websites for information pertaining to the keyword and a second database comprising media server links for music-related information pertaining to the keyword;
means for retrieving an identified media sample selected by a consumer and for providing the identified media sample to the consumer devices for playback on a media player associated with the consumer devices; and
means for purchasing a media product comprising the identified media sample,
wherein the media server links of the second database comprise one or more of a first link to the identified media sample on the means for retrieving the identified media sample and a second link to the media product on the means for purchasing the media product,
wherein if the keyword matches information pertaining to an unsponsored website that is in the first database the means for receiving consumer search requests places a third link to the unsponsored website on a results page of the means for receiving consumer search requests,
wherein if the keyword matches information pertaining to music-related server links that are in the second database the means for receiving consumer search requests places one or more of the first link and the second link on the results page of the means for receiving consumer search requests,
wherein the consumer search request includes a client identifier that identifies a branded player that should be launched to playback the identified media sample, and
wherein according to the client identifier, the means for retrieving the identified media sample further downloads the branded player that is associated with the identified media sample so that the media player associated with the consumer devices playbacks the identified media sample on the branded player.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the means for receiving consumer search requests provides a link to the consumer devices to access the identified media sample from the means for retrieving the identified media sample, and wherein the means for retrieving the identified media sample maintains reports of identity of the means for receiving consumer search requests that referred the consumer to the means for retrieving the identified media sample, for billing the means for receiving consumer search requests for provision of the identified media sample to the consumer.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the branded player is associated with the means for purchasing the media product.
4. A system comprising:
a plurality of consumer devices configured for transmitting search requests online, the consumer devices including media players;
means for receiving consumer search requests from the consumer devices, wherein the means for receiving consumer search requests receives a search request from one of the consumer devices, wherein the search request comprises a keyword, and wherein the means for receiving consumer search requests searches a first database comprising unsponsored websites for information pertaining to the keyword and a second database comprising media server links for music-related information pertaining to the keyword;
means for retrieving the identified media sample and for providing the identified media sample to the consumer devices for automatic playback on a media player associated with the consumer devices; and
means for purchasing a media product comprising the identified media sample,
wherein the media server links of the second database comprise one or more of a first link to the identified media sample on the means for retrieving the identified media sample and a second link to the media product on the means for purchasing a media product,
wherein in response to the keyword matching information pertaining to an unsponsored website that is in the first database, the means for receiving consumer search requests places a third link to the unsponsored website on a results page of the means for receiving consumer search requests,
wherein in response to the keyword matching information pertaining to music-related server links that are in the second database, the means for receiving consumer search requests places one or more of the first link and the second link on the results page of the means for receiving consumer search requests,
wherein the consumer search request includes a client identifier that identifies the branded player that should be launched to playback the identified media sample, and
wherein according to the client identifier, the means for retrieving the identified media sample further downloads the branded player that is associated with the identified media sample so that the media player associated with the consumer devices playbacks the identified media sample on the branded player.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the identified media sample includes a call to action message.