Microsoft Advertising expands Skype advertising inventory to Japan and Taiwan

On the same day, Microsoft will begin to sell Skype advertising for PCs in Russia. Meanwhile, France, Germany, the Netherlands,Spain, and the UK will roll out a new mobile app on 25 February.  In addition, the company will begin testing “audio in-call” advertising on Skype in the coming months.

In December the company rolled out mobile advertising in the US on iPhone and Android. Sponsored ads are currently being shown at the top of the Home and Message screens. Starting from 25 February, mobile ads will be available in France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan, and the UK.

A company spokersperson said that Mobile adsin Skype provide advertisers the opportunity to engage with a captive and influential audience, as only one ad will be shown per conversation, giving brands 100 per cent share of voice.

Skype has 663 million registered users as of September 2011. Microsoft acquired Skype in October for US$8.5 billion. This expansion into new markets were bound by existing Skype reseller agreements and is part of Microsoft Advertising's goal for advertising is to add to the consumer experience.