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# 8tracks Adding Audio Ads To Follow Mobile Listeners
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/8tracks-adding-audio-ads-to-follow-mobile-listeners/
- Published: 2014-09-23T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2014-09-23T14:00:00.000Z
- Description: 8tracks is a leading web radio music service that is also profitable. They currently have a combination of sponsored playlists and recently introduced video pre-roll ads to their ad-supported service.. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2014/09/8tracks-adding-audio-ads-to-follow-mobil
- Author: admin
- Tags: Music Tech, Streaming, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:38

[![8tracks](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201bb078acf0d970d-150wi "8tracks")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e201bb078acf0d970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

8tracks is a leading web radio music service that is also [profitable](https://www.hypebot.com/8tracks-shares-new-ios-app-impressive-user-growth-and-profitability/). They currently have a combination of sponsored playlists and recently introduced video pre-roll ads to their ad-supported service. But 8tracks CEO David Porter told RAIN News that they're getting into audio ads because music listeners are increasingly going mobile. They're kicking things off with a partnership with AudioHQ which launched this month with a hybrid audio ad network that offers premium inventory via programmatic sales.

Earlier this summer [8tracks](http://8tracks.com/?ref=hypebot.com) were said to be [closing a second round of funding](https://www.hypebot.com/music-tech-funding-8tracks-exploration-and-a-fundraising-tip-from-bopfms-ceo/) putting total funding at a possible high of $2.9 million. From a distance they seem one of the sturdier competitors in the game.

Surprisingly enough, though profitable from a combination of ad-support and ad-free subscriptions, David Porter recently [talked to RAIN News](http://rainnews.com/8tracks-ceo-david-porter-talks-about-audio-advertising/?ref=hypebot.com) about the fact that they are just now getting into audio ads:

"We’re going to start slowly…We’re interested in formats that would be great for our young audience. At the same time, we remain mindful that buyers are used to standard formats — 15-second and 30-seconds spots."

Though Porter says they'll be paying close attention to listener reactions, they:

"have to follow the listening experience, which is shifting to mobile and walking around with a phone. Audio ads have to be in the mix."

Last week AudioHQ, who don't seem to have a website (help me out here), officially launched and announced their partnership with 8tracks to introduce audio ads.

RAIN News also [spoke with AudioHQ](http://rainnews.com/audiohq-launches-ad-network-with-8tracks-partnership/?ref=hypebot.com) about their plans.

What they're doing is trying to find a middle ground between direct premium audio ad sales with the highest payouts and [programmatic marketing](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmatic%5Fmarketing?ref=hypebot.com) which automates inventory and pushes pricing lower.

As David Porter pointed out, 8tracks is new to audio ads and has a lot to learn about the format while also building a sales team. Given the combination of scale, a great audience with an untested history with audio ads, they appear to be a good fit with AudioHQ at this stage.

**More:**

- [Music Tech Funding: 8tracks, Exploration And A Fundraising Tip From Bop.fm's CEO](https://www.hypebot.com/music-tech-funding-8tracks-exploration-and-a-fundraising-tip-from-bopfms-ceo/)
- [8Tracks Shares New iOS App, Impressive User Growth and… Profitability](https://www.hypebot.com/8tracks-shares-new-ios-app-impressive-user-growth-and-profitability/)

*Hypebot Senior Contributor Clyde Smith ([@fluxresearch](https://twitter.com/fluxresearch?ref=hypebot.com)) recently launched [DanceLand](http://dance.land/?ref=hypebot.com). Send news about music tech startups and services, DIY music biz and music marketing to:*

clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com

.