Internet television startup Joost is teaming with Viacom Inc. to offer the entertainment giant's content on its free, advertisement-supported service, the companies announced Tuesday.

Joost — the trade name of Netherlands-based Baaima NV's broadcast-quality television service — will feature video from MTV Networks, BET Networks and Paramount Pictures as part of the deal. Financial details were not disclosed.

Created by the Skype voice-over-internet protocol service founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, Joost uses what it calls a "secure, efficient, piracy-proof internet platform" to protect copyrighted content.

The service would link what the company calls a "TV-like experience" with the flexibility of the internet by combining it with features like instant messaging, message boards and news feeds.

"We built this platform from the ground up, with companies like Viacom in mind," Friis said in a written statement.

"Our platform provides scalable distribution, in a completely safe environment that protects the interest of content owners and advertisers, while delighting viewers."

Some of the shows the companies plan to offer include MTV's reality series Laguna Beach, prank show Punk'd, and cartoon Beavis and Butthead. The Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Country Music Television, and Spike TV channels are among the other content offerings.

BET's contributions will include Beef, DMX: Soul of a Man and American Gangster, while Paramount will provide a mix of recently released and classic feature films.

Joost is currently undergoing pre-launch trials among a selected group of testers.