AOL on Monday launched an initiative that opens its video search platform to third-party developers and content owners.

Through the program, AOL has made application-programming interfaces available for content owners to submit feeds to the AOL Video Search index. The purpose is to build as large an index as possible for AOL users looking for video content throughout the Web.

In addition, APIs are available to embed AOL's search engine into Web sites, making it possible for visitors to search for content based on keywords, as well as video categories. There are also APIs for sorting and filtering of search results and other functionalities.

"We believe developers will find our video search APIs to be more versatile and easier to use than other video search APIs available today," Timothy Tuttle, vice president of AOL Video, said in a statement.

For submitting video feeds, AOL has set up a self-service online sign-up and feed management system. The AOL Director Account program is available at no charge.