Brussels - NATO is reaching out to young audiences in the West by posting three unconventional advertisement videos on the popular You Tube website, alliance officials said Monday.

The videos, which last about 45 seconds each, are designed to raise awareness about the trans-Atlantic alliance's role in the world by arguing that security should not be taken for granted, even in developed countries.

The videos are composed of rapid, chaotic sequences suggesting that a conflict or some other form of major scare is taking place. Their finales reveal that the images, in actual fact, concern mundane events such as disco dancing or a football game.

The accompanying slogan recites:: "Peace and security. That's our mission."

NATO officials said the purpose of the videos is to show how perceptions of security can be easily changed.

Officials decided to launch the campaign after viewing surveys which revealed that while many youths know about NATO, few know about what it does.

The videos, which will eventually be posted on You Tube, cost about 500,000 euros (666,000 dollars) in budget money.

"This is a much cheaper method than advertising on television," officials at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels said.

NATO heads of state and government are to hold a summit in Strasbourg on Friday and Saturday. (dpa)