I just noticed that the YouTube main page has something called 'Promoted Videos' right above the 'Featured Videos.' I can't find anything about them in the YouTube help section. Is this advertising or otherwise paid for? Is it new?

man if you figure it out let me know!

[Removed signature link – Colin]

I just asked YouTube support and will post an update when I receive an answer. Screenshot for reference:
http://blogoscoped.com/files/youtube-promoted-videos.png