Gigya Launches Widget Ad Network

Filed under “we saw this coming,”  widget distribution and metrics provider Gigya has launched its own widget ad network, providing marketers with a cost-per-install model that is sure to get attention from some major advertisers.   Gigya joins the ranks of ClearSpring and WidgetBox, who have all announced similar offerings recently.    Gigya plans to price its ad units at $2 – $5 per install.  They have yet to announce their participating widget publishers.  One thing is for sure, widgets are aiming to be the next rich-media ad format.  And, looking at the widget landscape, they are emerging as a cost-effective, engaging new tool for online marketers. You can read their spin on it from the Gigya press release here. TechCrunch has a good recap here.