Zoom Begins Testing Ads For Users On Its Free, Basic Tier
Image via Zoom
Zoom has been undoubtedly one of the biggest “winners” of the pandemic, considering that much of the world has spent its time indoors on video calls with coworkers, family, friends, and even their doctors.
Now, the video conferencing firm has said it will begin trialing advertisements for ‘Basic’ tier users. The company says this step will help support its investments and allow it to continue providing the service free of charge to users.
In the pilot program, Basic tier users will only see advertisements if they’re in a meeting hosted by another Basic user. As per TechCrunch, if the host is using a paid account, there’ll be no advertisements for anyone in the call.
According to Engadget, the firm has also said it will not be using any content from meetings “for any marketing, promotions, or third-party advertising purposes,” so you need not worry that anyone’s listening in on your conversations.
Initially, these advertisements will show up on the browser page users see when a meeting has ended. While it’s likely Zoom will eventually roll out advertising spaces to other parts of the video call, it has promised that users won’t be disturbed by advertisements during actual meetings.
“This change ensures that our free Basic users are able to continue connecting with friends, family, and colleagues with the same robust platform we have always offered,” said Janine Pelosi, Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer.
[via TechCrunch and Engadget, cover image Zoom]
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