Skype for iOS Incorporates Ads in its Latest Update: Monetizes Non-Paying Users

By: Hillel Fuld

As the mobile app landscape continues to evolve and new monetization solutions are born, it seems many leading developers are going back to the basics of monetization and implementing in-app advertising. Some of the leading names who  have already adopted this model can be seen here.

The latest mega publisher to incorporate ads is Skype with its latest release of Skype for iOS. The newest update includes a list of features including Bluetooth support, which will allow users to Skype on their phones using Bluetooth headsets. The new update also includes Anti-Shake technology, which you can see demonstrated in the video below.

The most significant change in the latest Skype release is the addition of ads within the app. In both the iPad app and the iPhone app, the user now sees ads. In the iPad app, the ads appear beneath the contact list and in the iPhone app, they appear above it. Interesting ad placement strategy.

In my experience testing out the app, I did not see any ads and anyone that has, reports seeing ads for Groupme, a service recently acquired by Skype itself.

Despite the new Skype utilizing in-app advertising, not everyone will see those ads. Skype has decided to monetize users who do not pay for the service. What that means is if you don’t have a Skype account with active Skype Credit, subscription calling or a Premium plan, then you might see ads in the iOS app. If you are a paying Skype user, you should not see any ads at all.

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