Brave developer's build starts paying users who view ads

A developer's version of the Brave browser has added its most interesting feature: the ability to reward viewers for viewing web ads. The browser, which strips websites of ads by default - a move that has angered many in the content business - claims to be eight times faster than Safari and Chrome thanks to its draconian anti-advertisement policy.

The new version lets users earn BAT for viewing ads.

THE SCOOP

Keep up with the latest news, trends, charts and views on crypto and DeFi with a new biweekly newsletter from The Block's Frank Chaparro

By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

"Users will then be able to earn 70% of the revenue share coming from those ads. Brave Ads will be integrated in Brave’s upcoming 1.0 desktop browser on all platforms (macOS, Windows, Linux), as well as in the Android app (iOS will be available later). As part of Brave Rewards, Brave Ads are opt in and always will be," wrote the creators in a public blog post.

You can access the Developer Channel here to try out the new feature.

Brave is a Chromium-based browser that is connected to the Basic Attention Token or BAT. The goal, ultimately, is to allow viewers to be paid for viewing ads and then reward publishers for their content. As Computer World described it: “It’s as if a new TV network announced it would use technology to remove ads from other networks’ programs, then rebroadcast those programs with ads of its own devising, ads that it sold.”

About Author

John Biggs is an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and maker. He spent fifteen years as an editor for Gizmodo, CrunchGear, and TechCrunch and has a deep background in hardware startups, 3D printing, and blockchain. His work has appeared in Men’s Health, Wired, and the New York Times. He runs the Technotopia podcast about a better future. He has written five books including the best book on blogging, Bloggers Boot Camp, and a book about the most expensive timepiece ever made, Marie Antoinette’s Watch. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Disclosure: Biggs owns and maintains cryptocurrencies in a private account and has been consulting with startups regarding blockchain-based products. He also edits and writes for startup clients.