Monetize PDF content with CPC ads

Yahoo and Adobe Systems have partnered to power a new revenue-making advertising service that will monetize Portable Document Format content.

by Helen Leggatt

adobe%20logo.gif Currently in testing, Yahoo and Adobe’s new service will take PDF content, analyze it and return it to the publisher formatted to display contextual ads in a side panel. The ads resemble search ads in format and size and are sold on a CPC basis. Yahoo’s revenues are split between Adobe and the publisher.

It’s an advertising first, embedding contextually targeted advertising in to PDF content. Historically, ads in PDFs have been static, traditional print-type affairs. This recent development takes the publishing industry one step closer to providing Internet users with free access to ad-supported content while expanding the reach for advertisers.

“This partnership with Adobe creates a previously untapped opportunity for advertisers to connect with qualified audiences, while opening new revenue streams for publishers, and helping deliver additional relevant content to consumers,” said Todd Teresi, senior vice president, Yahoo Publisher Network.

The service is currently in beta, and participating content must be of U.S. interest and in English.