News Corp. announced plans Wednesday to buy London-based social video ad firm Unruly for up to $176 million.

Unruly will operate as an independent unit, reporting to Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of News UK.

Unruly’s proprietary technology aims to predict the likelihood that videos will go viral. Its clients include Adidas, Renault and T-Mobile.

“Unruly is a feisty and creative company with a start-up sensibility that fits perfectly with our own approach to developing businesses in the digital age,” said CEO Robert Thomson of News Corp., which also publishes The Post.