uTorrent to get in-program adverts
Ryan Martin / 12 years ago
uTorrent, perhaps the world’s most popular BitTorrent client, have announced there is a new uTorrent client coming up which will feature “in-client offers” within the uTorrent program. Basically, that’s a fancy way for uTorrent to tell us they are going to be chucking adverts into its program to make more money – in a similar fashion to how Skype added adverts to its program shortly after being taken over by money-hungry-Microsoft.
If you’re one of those select few who have purchased uTorrent Plus for a fee of $24.95 then you’ve escaped the in-client offers, for now anyway. With over 125 million active users per month, uTorrent is one of the most widely used torrent client in the world, and it’s no surprise that the creator has sought to monetize on its popularity.The parent company, BitTorrent Inc., has raked in $15 to $20 million through uTorrent’s optional tool bar, and the addition of an ad-supported client will only boost its income.
What is changing with µTorrent offers?
– One additional offer location: A narrow rectangle just below the toolbar within the µTorrent UI will present relevant offers to users.
– Better-targeted offer types: We will pursue making offers that are targeted and interesting to our users.What type of offers will you show?
– The first offer type will inform users of our own new products, features and services.
– The second offer type will come from our offer partners, whose offerings include things such as games, security products and privacy services.
– The final offer type will feature independent artists, such as musicians and film makers.Can I turn in-client offers off?
Currently you’ll be able to skip offers of no interest to you by clicking an x within the ad, which will advance you to the next offer. There is no way to turn in-client offers off*. We will pay attention to feedback, and may change this in the future.*Note that users of µTorrent Plus will not be served offers in the client. We are looking into other offer-free alternatives for users as well.
