Meet iPad Ad Takes the Web by Storm

Apple has gone viral with the iPad commercial it first released during the Oscars with over 2.4 million views on the web in one week. The advertisement, titled "Meet iPad" was distributed via Apple's YouTube channel and across the web in over 100 places.

Apple normally only releases videos on its website, but it comes as no surprise that Meet iPad has become the second-most watched spot on the web. By opening the format up Apple has insured that people will share the spot and comment on the video ahead of the iPad ship date of April 3. Meet iPad is now the second-most popular video on the web.

Apple has had a YouTube page since 2005 but has only posted a total of six videos, all iPad related. Ad Age publishes a list of the top 10 commercials in conjunction with Visible Measures, a company that benchmarks the world of online video.

iPhone ads were also first seen during the Academy Awards in 2007.

The iPad ad focuses mainly on iBooks and the e-reading capabilities of the device, however photos are shown quite a bit and maps, calendar, email and a movie are also briefly shown in action. During the entire spot the iPad is hand-held by various people mostly resting the tablet on their laps while reclining or sitting on the couch.

The only video to beat Meet iPad last week was E*Trade’s “Milkaholic” Superbowl ad featuring a baby named Lindsay. The ad is getting more views now that Lindsay Lohan has sued E*Trade for $100 million.

The iPad ships on April 3 and is available for pre-order now.