LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Scripps Networks, part of media conglomerate E.W. Scripps Co , said on Tuesday it has started to place short clips from its lifestyle TV channels such as the Food Network on Google Inc's video-sharing site, YouTube.


The agreement will bring higher-quality, non-pirated video to YouTube, while offering Scripps access to a large and fast-growing base of viewers who are turning to the Web for video content.

The partnership includes other Scripps Networks brands including home-improvement channel HGTV, DIY Network and Fine Living Network.

"How-to and lifestyle categories are among the most popular on YouTube," Jordan Hoffner, director of premium content partnerships for YouTube, said in a statement.

Videos of Food Networks chef Paula Deen are among those featured on YouTube's Food Network Channel. Deen's summertime blueberry tart and chocolate gooey butter cookie videos have each been viewed more than 1,000 times since going up two weeks ago.

Creating and maintaining a loyal following for YouTube is a critical element of Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt's strategy to make money off the site.

Currently, the site runs text-only ads alongside the video, but Schmidt said in an interview with CNBC last month that Google's top priority this year was to make money from the venture by going beyond basic advertising strategies.

(Reporting by Syantani Chatterjee, editing by Daisuke Wakabayashi and Braden Reddall)
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