Video calling service Skype is selling online advertising across its properties in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore for the first time.
Skype has appointed digital sales agency Ad2One to sell display advertising across its website, program and mobile apps. The first campaign in Australia was rolled out for software company Trend Micro.
The news comes as last week Facebook announced a partnership with Skype to introduce video calling functions on the social networking site. It's not clear if Skype will integrate its own advertising platforms on Faceook.
At this stage, only daily homepage buyouts are available for purchase. However, Ad2One managing director, Australia, Phil Duffield said targeting capabilities may be introduced down the track.
Ad2One's UK office was hired by Skype when the video calling service launched online advertising in its key markets, the UK and USA, a few months ago.
In May, technology giant Microsoft bought Skype for $US8.5 billion.
Duffield told AdNews: "It's the first time they've [Skype] commercialised their website. We'll be looking to attract the best and biggest brands to utilise Skype as an ad platform.
"Skype's reach and engaged user brands make it an attractive platform for brands to market their products. The average Skype user uses it to stay in touch with a handful of family members and close friends. There are not that many opportunities that can deliver that setting to advertisers."
Ad2One also added CNN International to its client roster, with a remit to sell advertising across its digital properties in Australia and New Zealand.
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