Skype Advertising Update

Proposed ads are currently silent and non-expanding and appear for users who do not have Skype Credit or subscriptions and are using Skype for Windows. 


Skype is selling its inventory through Microsoft’s own advertising network. This seem like an important push for Skype’s profitability in the long run. Hopefully, there wont be a user backlash to the “tainting” of Skype’s famously free service, but it certainly makes sense for Skype to try and get something out of its massive non-paying user-base.


Skype Blog
June 13, 2012


Today we are announcing the launch of Conversation Ads in Skype. These new display ad units will appear within the calling window of users who do not have Skype Credit or subscriptions when they're making 1:1 Skype-to-Skype audio calls using Skype for Windows.

We're excited to introduce Conversations Ads as an opportunity for marketers to reach our hundreds of millions of connected users in a place where they can have meaningful conversations about brands in a highly engaging environment. Skype is already at the center of meaningful conversations, where families, friends, and colleagues spend time together.

While on a 1:1 audio call, users will see content that could spark additional topics of conversation that are relevant to Skype users and highlight unique and local brand experiences. So, you should think of Conversation Ads as a way for Skype to generate fun interactivity between your circle of friends and family and the brands you care about. Ultimately, we believe this will help make Skype a more engaging and useful place to have your conversations each and every day.

Here are more details about Conversation Ads:

• Conversation ads are available for marketers to purchase in 55 markets where Skype is available. Users without Skype credit or subscriptions will see the ads during 1:1 Skype-to-Skype audio calls in Skype for Windows.


• Skype call quality will remain the same. Ads will be silent, non-expanding and run after we've completed our regular detailed quality checks on your connection./li>

Here's an example of what these new ad units will look like:

The Skype experience is our top priority, which is why we we've taken our time testing what kind of advertising works best in the Skype environment, including Conversation Ads. As we roll out this and additional commercial experiences in the future, we will continue to test, learn and make any necessary adjustments along the way.