It should now be easier than ever for advertisers to get their videos in front of YouTube users in different countries.  Today, YouTube’s Promoted Videos program launched in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Israel, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.

In return for a little money, Promoted Videos allows advertisers to have their clips stuck at the top of YouTube’s "Related Videos" lists.  The clips get a yellow background to help them stand out, too.

Update: Google has now announced that you can buy Promoted Videos directly in AdWords.

YouTube’s Promoted Videos program has spread again.  In addition to Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., promoted videos are now available in Australia and Japan.

If you’re not familiar with the Promoted Videos program, the following video does a pretty good job of explaining its purpose (odd motorcycle accident metaphor aside):