US 20140067516A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0067516 A1 Price et al. (43) Pub. Date: Mar. 6, 2014
(54) SYSTEMAND METHOD OF INCENTIVIZED (52) U.S. Cl. ADVERTISING CPC ...... G06O 30/0239 (2013.01); G06O 50/01 (2013.01) (71) Applicants: Timothy James Price, Manhattan USPC ...... 705/1439 Beach, CA (US); Antonina Armato, Manhattan Beach, CA (US); Jason Yang, Hacienda Heights, CA (US) (57) ABSTRACT (72) Inventors: Timothy James Price, Manhattan Beach, CA (US); Antonina Armato, Manhattan Beach, CA (US); Jason Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems of incen Yang, Hacienda Heights, CA (US) tivized advertising are presented. A content identifier identi fying a digital content item, Such as a song, is displayed on a (21) Appl. No.: 14/076,103 user computing device. The digital contentitem is typically of (22) Filed: Nov. 8, 2013 the type available for a purchase price by the general public. A selection icon is provided in visual association with the Related U.S. Application Data content identifier. If the icon is selected by the user, an adver tisement media item, Such as a video advertisement, is pre (60) Provisional application No. 61/843,265, filed on Jul. 5, sented on the user computing device. If the advertisement 2013, provisional application No. 61/723,915, filed on media item is presented for at least a requisite ad impression Nov. 8, 2012. period, the digital content item is imparted to the user for free. Publication Classification Follow-up adengagement views are typically presented to the user with a button to redeem the earned digital content item. (51) Int. C. Administrator and server elements are configured to facilitate G06O 30/02 (2006.01) performance of the method, and to optimize efficient use of G06O 50/00 (2006.01) advertiser's budget.
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SYSTEMAND METHOD OF INCENTIVIZED users would be able to either buy or redeem their music for ADVERTISING free, giving Such an existing media/library application a new channel of sales. RELATED APPLICATIONS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0001. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi sional Application No. 61/723.915, filed on Nov. 8, 2012, and 0008 Further advantages of the present invention may U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/843,265, filed on Jul. 5, become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of 2013, the contents of each of which are incorporated by this the following detailed description of the preferred embodi reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth ments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in herein. which: 0009 FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram generally depicting TECHNICAL FIELD the steps of one or more non-limiting examples of a method in accordance with the present invention; 0002 The present invention relates generally to electronic 0010 FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one or more advertising in which the user's attention or interaction with non-limiting examples of a system and associated workflow the advertisement is rewarded. in accordance with the present invention; (0011 FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a top 50 list view BACKGROUND presented in accordance with one embodiment of the present 0003) While mobile advertising has been the booming invention, whereby the list may be navigated and the respec epicenter of advertising, record sales have been slow to tive digital content items previewed; recover from the digital revolution. What is needed are sys 0012 FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a search view in tems, methods and Software applications which bridge the accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, gap between and mutually benefit advertisers, record labels, whereby the search view enables a user to search a digital record retailers and users. content store catalog: 0013 FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a search results SUMMARY view, whereby the search results may be navigated and the respective digital content items previewed similarly to that of 0004 Certain deficiencies of the prior art may be over the top 50 view: come by the provision of a system and method which, in 0014 FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a digital content certain preferred embodiments, bridge the world of mobile item redemption view, whereby the user is able to earn the advertising with that of record sales. A software platform is item of digital content by watching, for example, a streaming provided which enables advertisers to create focused cam video advertisement; paigns to build impressions of their brand and directly market 0015 FIG. 7 illustrates one example of an advertiser land their products. Embodiments efficiently serve advertisers ing view, wherein most or all of the view may be derived from end goals by directing the users attention toward designated the advertiser's mobile web page: Videos, landing pages, social engagement pages, and email 0016 FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a redemption email messages. view, wherein a redemption button may be provided in addi 0005 Embodiments may be configured to provide adver tion to details about the earned digital content item and an tisers the ability to target users by virtue of the users real advertiser message graphic; time location, demographics, interests (i.e., "secondary user 0017 FIG. 9 illustrates one example of an alternative data'), etc. Embodiments provide advertisers the ability to advertiser landing view similar to that of FIG. 7, but wherein engage in focused conversations with their audience, and a “continue” button is provided which may result in naviga build lasting and positive associations of their brandby bridg tion to a social media landing page; ing the engagement with a gift. 0018 FIG. 10 illustrates one example of a social media 0006 Preferred embodiments of the invention benefit landing page hosting one or more social media pages of the users by providing them with a legal and reliable alternative respective advertiser and providing a further location from channel to buying and streaming music and other digital which the user may select the redemption button; content. By giving a moment of their time and attention to engage with the advertisers’ media content, they will be 0019 FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a user settings rewarded with a DRM-free audio or audio-video content item view; of their selection with no further strings attached. Participat 0020 FIG. 12A illustrates one example of an ad choice ing record labels, artists, and music retailers will experience page, wherein matching advertisers are presented to a user in increases in sales based on their established sales models, a scrollable list; and fueled by a new stream of money from the advertising indus 0021 FIG. 12B illustrates one example of an ad choice try. page, wherein matching advertisers are presented in square 0007. The systems, methods and software platforms of shaped blocks. embodiments of the invention are highly adaptable, and can DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED be integrated into a variety of different environments and products. For example, the app can be adapted and rebadged EMBODIMENTS under the name of an existing restricted music steaming Ser 0022 Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals Vice and turn it into a new platform where users can legally designate identical or corresponding features throughout the redeem music for free. Alternatively, a software platform in several views. accordance with the present invention may be easily inte 0023 Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise grated into existing media player/library applications, where a method of or system for incentivized advertising. For US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
example, certain embodiments of a method may comprise character 180 in FIG. 7) after the advertisement media item one or more of the steps of illustrated in FIG.1. At block 112, has been presented for at least the ad impression period. The a content identifier (e.g., a song title) may be displayed on a landing page may preferably be a web page of the advertiser user computing device. Such content identifier may, for accessed or otherwise provided by way of the adlanding page example, identify a digital content item, Such as a song, TV URL. Further, after the step of imparting or issuing a redemp show, movie, downloadable software app, or the like. Such tion code to a user, a Social media landing page (see, for digital content items are typically of the type available for a example, FIG. 10) may be revealed on the user computing purchase price by the general public. At block 114, a selection device 128. The Social media landing page may include one or icon (see, for example, 172 in FIG. 3) may be provided in visual association with the content identifier, wherein the more selectable links (e.g., on icons or buttons 186 and 188) selection icon is preferably selectable by the user. In certain by which the user may enter one or more respective Social preferred embodiments, the selection icon 172 may further be networking pages of the advertiser. provided in visual association with, for example, the name or 0028 Embodiments may involve a non-transitory, com a logo of the advertiser. At block 116, if the selection icon is puter readable storage medium storing a program that causes selected, at least a portion of an advertisement media item is a user computing device. Such as the one represented at 128 in presented on the user computing device. The advertisement FIG. 2, to conduct a method comprising one or more steps, media item (e.g., a video advertisement) would preferably such as those depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, refer pertain to a product, service or brand of an advertiser and ring block 112, a content identifier may be displayed on the would be presentable for at least an ad impression period. At user computing device. The content identifier (e.g., Song title) blocks 118 and 120, if the advertisement media item is pre identifies a digital content item (e.g., a Song) typically being sented on the user computing device for at least the ad impres of the type available for a purchase price by the general public sion period, the digital content item is imparted to the user at through, for example, an Internet-accessible digital content a discount. The discount may be a reduction in the purchase store. At block 114, a selection icon (such as the one illus price or for free. trated at 172 in FIG.3) may be provided in visual association 0024. In certain embodiments, the step of imparting is with the content identifier, wherein the selection icon is accomplished by issuing a respective redemption code to the selectable by the user. At block 116, if the selection icon is user. The redemption code would typically be redeemable in selected by the user, at least a portion of a video advertisement exchange for the digital content item at the discount. In Such is presented on the user computing device 128. The video embodiments, for example, the redemption code may be rep advertisement may preferably be streamed from a remote resented by an activatable redemption icon presented in server (see, for example 134 in FIG. 2), would pertain to a simultaneous visual association with a message graphic, the product, service or brand of an advertiser and would be pre message graphic depicting at least one or more of a product, sentable for at least an ad impression period. In embodiments, service or brand of the advertiser. The redemption code may such remote server 134 may preferably be operated by a third be issued by way of an email. Moreover, in preferred embodi party. At block 118-120, if the video advertisement is pre ments, the redemption code may electronically transferable sented for at least thead impression period, the digital content by the user to a transferee, thereby allowing the transferee to item may be caused to be imparted to the user for free by way redeem the redemption code. of a redemption code. Referring to FIG. 8 for example, such 0025. In particular embodiments of a method in accor redemption code may preferably be represented by an acti dance with the present invention, the digital content item is vatable redemption icon (button) 170. The redemption button chosen from the group consisting of a song, a TV episode, a 170 may, for example, be presented in simultaneous visual movie, a game, and a software application. Moreover, the association with a message graphic 174. A message graphic advertisement media item (which may be otherwise referred 174 may be in the form of a thank you message, and may to herein as an “ad media item’’) may be a video advertise typically depict at least one or more of a product, service or ment. In preferred such embodiments, the video advertise brand (e.g., logo 168) of the advertiser. Such a message ment may be streamed from a video server element. Such as graphic may also contain a further clickable link to, for the video-sharing website 134 represented in FIG. 2. example, an advertiser sponsored-content URL (see, for 0026. The ad impression period may be defined and imple example, 176 in FIG. 8). mented in various ways from one embodiment to the next. By 0029. In particular embodiments of the non-transitory way of example, the ad impression period may be the full computer-readable storage medium, the method may com length of the video advertisement. Alternatively, the ad prise further steps. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, after the impression period may be established as a fixed amount of video advertisement has been presented for at least the ad time (e.g., 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.) equal to or less than impression period, an advertiser landing page 180 may be the full length of the video advertisement. In further alterna exhibited on the user computing device. In addition, for tive, the ad impression period may be an amount of time example after the user presses the “continue” button illus calculated as a fixed percentage of the full length of the video trated at the top right of the view in FIG. 9, a social media advertisement. For example, the app 126 running on the user landing page (as illustrated in FIG.10) may be revealed on the computing device may be configured to require that the the user computing device. As shown in FIG. 10 for non-limiting Video advertisement is presented (e.g., played) for at least illustration, the Social media landing page may include one or 50% of the actual full video length before a redemption code more selectable links (e.g., the icons or buttons at 186 and may be issued to the respective user. 188) by which the user may enter one or more respective 0027. Referring to block 122 of FIG. 1, certain preferred Social networking pages of the advertiser. The advertisers embodiments of the methods described herein may comprise usernames (e.g., as shown at 190 and 192) corresponding to the further step of exhibiting, on the user computing device each of the Social media pages may also be depicted on the 128, an advertiser landing page (see, for example, reference Social media landing page. US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
0030 Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a method in accor illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, at least one of the ad views may dance with the present invention may be described or defined be an ad landing page 180 presentable by way of the ad to include further steps and components. For example, at landing page URL. block 102, campaign data (what may otherwise be referred to 0034 Methods discussed herein may be carried out in a herein as “campaign purchase data') of an advertiser may be manner which involves further details and steps. For example, received by, for example, an administrator element 130. The the step of acquiring campaign data is preferably performed campaign data may preferably include, for example, one or for each of a multiplicity of advertisers. Similarly, the steps of more of an advertiser name, an ad media item URL and an ad providing the Software application 136 and obtaining user landing page URL. The administrator element 130 may be registration data are preferably performed for each of a plu one or more natural persons, one or more computers (e.g., rality of users (for example, each by way of a respective user servers or related components), or a combination thereof. At computing device 128). In Such embodiments, it is particu block 104, an inventory of redemption codes may be acquired larly valuable to allow advertisers to apply their campaign (e.g., purchased or earmarked) from or by, for example, a budgets in a manner which targets those users who are more digital content store 132. As indicated before, the redemption likely to purchase their products or services. To accommodate codes would typically be of the type redeemable in exchange this, certain of the methods discussed herein may comprise for respective digital content items otherwise available for a additional target marketing steps or features. The campaign purchase price by the general public (e.g., directly from the data may include one or more target profile parameters digital content store 132). At block 106, a software applica elected by the respective advertiser, the target profile param tion 136 is provided (e.g., by way of an Internet-accessible eters including one or more of the demographic, geographic “app store') for installation on a user computing device 128 location and interests of targeted users. Relatedly, the user of a user. Such software application 136 may have a respec registration data may include secondary user data, the sec tive name or logo which may be displayed, for example, as ondary user data including one or more of the demographic, shown at 178 in FIGS. 3, 8 and 10. geographic location and interests of the respective user. Fur 0031 Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the software application ther, the computing device may provide additional data, Such 136 may preferably be configured to enable performance of a as the active method of internet connections, its user's current subseries of steps specifically performed by or through the micro locations, etc. Finally, a rule may be applied by a user computing device. For example, at block 112, one or portion of the system (e.g., server 126) whereby the adver more content identifiers may be displayed on the user com tisement media item presented to each respective user is puting device, wherein the content identifiers each identify a based, at least in part, on a match between the target profile respective one of the digital content items. At block 114, a parameters of the respective advertiser and the secondary user respective selection icon may be provided in visual associa data of the respective user. tion with one or more of the content identifiers, wherein the 0035 Referring again to FIG. 2, a system 124 for incen selection icons are selectable by the user. At block 116, if one tivized targeted advertising may comprise an administrator of the selection icons is selected, at least a portion of a respec element 130 and a server element 126. The server element tive advertisement media item is presented (e.g., played) on 126 may include or be in electronic communication with one the user computing device, wherein each advertisement or more of a user info database 144, digital content dataset media item pertains to a product, service or brand of the database 146, advertisement database 148 and redemption advertiser and is presentable for at least an ad impression database 150. The administrator element 130 may be config period. The presentation of the advertisement media item on ured to: (a) receive campaign data of an advertiser, including the user computing device may preferably be by way of direct at least an advertiser name and an ad media item URL and (b) streaming from a third party remote server 134. acquire an inventory of redemption codes. The server element 0032. Once the software application 136 is downloaded 126 may be configured to: (i) be in electronic communication and installed on the user computing device 128, user regis between the administrator element 130 and a user computing tration data of the respective user may be obtained. Such user device 128 of a user; (ii) receive the campaign data from the registration data may preferably include an electronic address administrator element 130; (iii) receive user registration data (e.g., email address) of the respective registering user. At from the user computing device 128; (iv) provide one or more block 118, the system 124 (by way of or in coordination with content identifiers to the user computing device 128 for dis the functionality of the software application 136) verifies play thereon (e.g., by way of a GUI 138), (v) receive a veri whether the respective advertisement media item was pre fication from the user computing device 128 that an ad media sented for at least the requisite ad impression period. If it was, item has been played thereon for at least an ad impression a respective one of the redemption codes is issued to the user. period, wherein the ad media item pertains to a product, Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10 for example, the redemption code service or brand of the advertiser and is accessible by the user is preferably represented by an activatable redemption icon computing device 128 by way of for example, the ad media 170 presentable in simultaneous visual association with at item URL: and (vi) once the verification has been received least one ad view (e.g., advertisement message graphic 174 (e.g., by the server 126), issuing a respective one of the and/or social media landing page (illustrated at FIG. 10)). redemption codes to the user. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10. Each ad view typically depicts at least one or more of a such redemption code may preferably be represented by an product, service or brand of the advertiser. activatable redemption icon 170 presentable in simultaneous 0033. In certain embodiments of the method, the message visual association with at least one ad view. Each ad view graphic 174 may be included in the campaign data. As illus would generally depict at least one or more of a product, trated in FIG. 8, the redemption code may be issued at least by service or brand of the advertiser. way of the electronic address, wherein the respective adview 0036. In certain preferred embodiments, the administrator is the message graphic 174. Alternatively or in addition, as element 130 may be comprised substantially of one or more US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
computers. Further, the administrator element 130 may form 0045 Users may be required to authenticate via their an integral portion of the server element 126. Social network login (e.g., Facebook(R) in order to gain the 0037 Embodiments of the present invention provide more full functionality of the app 136. Future live releases of the direct engagement between the advertiser and the user of app may includea walk-through tutorial upon initial launch of electronic media. For example, the user may be gifted DRM the app. Integration with the user's Social networks would free music for taking the time to view or listen to advertise serve to Verify user identity, gather demographic data for ad ments which may be targeted directly to that user or their targeting purposes, and to acquire users’ email addresses for demographic. As a reward for their engagement of the adver Song redemption emails. tising content, the user is able to own and/or stream their 0046 Advertisers may be provided with analytics inte selected music content or other digital content item for free. grated with the app to track user behavior, demographics and Advertisers are provided a new channel by which to deliver other custom events. user-interest targeted ads, both nationwide and local geo 0047. A launch screen (not shown) may comprise a static targeted ads. The ads may be user-interest based, wherein the image displayed each time the user launches the app from a app and related System components detect user interests closed State. In embodiments, the launch screen may only be based on the content generated from the user's own social displayed until the app is finished loading into memory. For media pages. example, the app logo 166 (otherwise referred to herein as an 0038 Advertisers 142 may take part in designing theadby “app title') may stay on screen for several seconds, then specifying the targeted ad video as well as a landing page. automatically transition to a login or authentication page. They may place bids on users interest keywords and user However, in certain embodiments, such transition may hap locations (e.g., which may be included in the secondary user pen immediately if users touch anywhere on the screen of data). In preferred embodiments, advertisers may be charged their computing device. In embodiments, users who are only when users finish watching the video and interacting already logged into their account (e.g., on their respective with the advertiser's landing page. By way of example, user computing device 128) would not be presented with a Advertiser X may select a campaign budget of S129, a portion login prompt. Rather, they may be moved directly to a main of which goes to an administrator's purchase of an inventory chart or Top 50 page (see, for example, FIG.3). Users who are of redemption codes for 100 songs. The system serves 120 not logged may be prompted by a pop up login box. The Video engagements, 110 landing page engagements, 4 social pop-up box may preferably mimic the default style of the engagements and 75 email engagements at more competitive respective operating system used on the respective user com cost-per-engagement (CPE) rates than conventional CPE puting device 128. Preferably, no other functions within the rates. In particular embodiments, Advertisers can also bid on app should be accessible until the user has logged in or oth specific songs (or other digital content item) to associate with erwise authenticated. their campaign, and receive analytics including user demo 0048. An authentication page (not shown) may be dis graphics, CPM, CTR and CPE. played upon launch if the user is not currently logged into the 0039. Preferred embodiments of the invention allow users app via their respective Social media account. The authenti to sign into the app 136 with their social network accounts cation page may include, for example, a button to initiate the (e.g., FacebookR) or Twitter(R). They may then browse a Social media account authentication process (e.g., specific to top-50 chart (or the like), and/or search for any song in, for the user's OS version and whether or not they have logged example, a digital content store 132 such as iTunes(R or other into their social media account vie their OS settings). In media content library. The user may redeem a free song after preferred embodiments, once the user has authenticated, they watching a video ad targeted to their interests and/or location. will not log in again until they have explicitly logged out. The user may be directed to the advertisers web page in-app, 0049 Referring to FIG.3 for illustration, the Top 50 view for example, as their song is being downloaded. (or equivalent) may be the default view of the app displaying 0040. Features of Specific Preferred Embodiments immediately after launch. Referring to FIG. 2, the Top 50 0041) Users are rewarded with redemption codes for listing may be configured to show the up-to-date hand-picked iTunes R (or similar digital content store with a digital content songs chosen by the administrator 130 or operator of the item database 152) for watching sponsored videos. An inven system 124. Alternatively or in addition, the choice and posi tory of redemption codes may be stored in a server-side tion of the Top 50 songs may be either manually input, based database 150. Redemption codes may be delivered to users on an existing third-party chart, automatically fed by a part via their email account 140 upon Successful completion of a nering music distributor's chart, or after enough data has been sponsored video advertisement. gathered the chart may be internalized by the system 124 to 0042 Video advertisement content may be hosted in You reflect most popular songs redeemed by all users of the app Tube(R) and delivered via the YouTube(R) API. Users must 138. This list may allow the user to scroll through the songs complete the video advertisements (or a predetermined por (or other digital content items), preview them, and navigate to tion thereof) in order to earn redemption codes. their respective redemption view. In preferred embodiments, 0043. The curated Top 50 list may be delivered via private the navigation bar 156 at the top of the view may display the server API. Users may browse the Top 50 list or search the app title 178 and a button (e.g., the gear button) which segues entire iTunes(R catalog (or equivalent). All music metadata, into a setting page (as shown, for example, at FIG. 11). The Song previews, and query search results may preferably be tab bar at the bottom of the view displays two selectable tabs, delivered via the iTunes Search API (or the like). one for Top 50 and the other for search (182 and 184, respec 0044 90-second song previews may be streamed from, for tively). The usercantoggle between these two tabs to view the example, iTunes upon tapping the album artwork for an avail handpicked Top 50 Songs or to search the entire catalogue of able song within the Top 50 or Search Library pages. Start/ a respective digital content store for specific titles and artists. Stop controls, download progress, and play progress may be 0050. In particular embodiments, on the Top 50 (or “main displayed in place of the album art. chart') page, a logo or other trademark of a sponsoring adver US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
tiser may appear under or near, for example, a selection icon respective video-content website (e.g., YouTube(R) via a 172 in visual association with the song being sponsored by the respective API. The video may be overlaid with standard advertiser. video control elements. In embodiments, Previous and Next 0051 Referring again to FIG. 3, the Top 50 table view buttons, as well as video scrubbing, may be disabled. In displays a cell 198 for each of the songs chosen, for example, particular embodiments, a user's attempt to stop or fast-for by the administrator 130 or an operator of the system 124. ward the video before it completes may result in a pop up box This list of songs may be retrieved from the server 126 each (or the like) with text reminding the user to finish watching the time the app 126 is launched. Each table view cell 198 may Video. In certain embodiments, as a work-around in the event display a single song (or other digital content item). The cell that the embedded video's code cannot be altered, a timed, but content (e.g., album art, artist name, song title, etc.) may be phantom layer may be created so that ifa userpresses the next retrieved from the digital content store (e.g., iTunes(R Store) (or similarly disruptive) button before a complete ad impres using the song identifier included in the song list retrieved sion period (e.g., 30 seconds) has passed, they will be from the server 126. Such cell content may be referred to as prompted with a “finish watching message. content datasets, and in certain embodiments may be input 0055 Referring to FIG.9, an advertiser landing view may and stored within or in communication with the server 126. be a modal view that may, for example, slide up from the Tapping anywhere within the cell 198 (except the selection bottom of the screen after the conclusion of the video adver icon 172) may initialize the song preview. The album (or tisement. The majority of the view may contain a webview “cover) art space may display the art associated with the directed to the advertiser's mobile web page. The web URL Song, and may transition into an animated Song preview con (also referred to herein as an ad landing page URL) may be troller when the preview is loading or playing. The respective retrieved by the app 136 from the server 126 along with the user may tap here again while the audio is loading or playing Song identifier. The webview may display, for example, to stop the preview. The selection icon 172 may initially HTML retrieved from the advertiser’s mobile website. The display "FREE.” If the user taps this button, it may animate to navigation bar of this view may show the advertiser as the display "REDEEM. If the user taps again, the app may segue title, as well as a “Done' or “Continue” button. Tapping the into the Song redemption view (an example of which is Done button may dismiss the landing view and again reveal depicted in FIG. 6). the Song redemption view beneath it. In the alternative, tap 0052 Referring to FIG. 5, the Search view may be pro ping the Continue button may take the user to a Social media vided to allow users to search the entire digital content store page, such as the one shown in FIG. 10. catalog. The search results may be navigated and previewed 0056. The user may be presented with CAPTCHAs after a in the same manner as the Top 50 view. The navigation bar certain number of redemption within a given timeframe as a 156 in this page may display a search box (or search button measure to prevent script abuses. CAPTCHAs may be in the leading thereto, as illustrated in FIG. 4), where users can type form of numbers and letters recognition, Swipe pattern cap in their queries. Referring to FIG. 4, once the user taps the ture, etc. After a certain number of failed attempts, the user search button or selects a result from the results list, the account may be banned for a specified amount of time. In navigation bar may display a back button to the search box addition, user accounts may be banned upon detection of any and “search as its title. The results list (e.g. above the key attempts to run 3" party scripts to automatically complete board if FIG. 4) may display the matching results from the engagements. digital content store API. Selecting a result may be the equiva lent of typing in that specific search query and tapping the 0057 The Redeem button 170 may senda POST request to search button from the keyboard. the server 126 containing information about the user and the 0053 Referring to FIG. 6, a song redemption view may Song redeemed (e.g., in a user info database 144 and the display Song details and allow the user to redeem the song by redemption database 150 shown in FIG. 2). The user may be watching, for example, a video advertisement. The user can presented with a popup alert saying that the Song has been navigate to this view by, for example, twice tapping the selec redeemed. An "Earn Another Song” button may be provided tion icon 172 for a given song from either the Top 50 or Search to dismiss the current view and segue back to the Top 50 or views. The ad media content item (e.g., video advertisement) Search view, depending on which was used to redeem the may be retrieved from a video sharing website such as You Current Song. Tube(R). In this view, the navigation bar may display the name 0.058 Referring to FIG. 11, a Settings view may display of the song and a back button to the previous view. A video app and user information, and may include links to various thumbnail may be provided (for example at 158). The video functions. The view may be accessed by tapping, for example, thumbnail may display a single frame from the video adver the gear icon in the navigation bar from the Top 50 or Search tisement, overlaid with a play button 194 to start the video. A views. The navigation bar may show the title “Settings' as Song details section 162 may show detailed Song and artist well as a “Done' button, which dismisses the view and reveals information for the selected song. An instructions section 160 the page beneath. The email line displays the email address may prompt the user with instructions on how to redeem the where redemption codes will be sent. The user's email Song. This section may update with new instructions if the address may be automatically pulled from its Social network user does not view the requisite amount of the video adver account. The “Like' button may open a social network fan tisement. page of the app provider. 0054 When the play button is tapped, a separate video 0059. In particular embodiments, a user may be presented view (not shown) may be entered to maximize the usage of the with a profile page where they are asked to enter certain screen area of the user computing device while displaying the personalized information (which, for example, may form all streamed video advertisement. The media item URL (e.g., the or part of the user registration data). This information may video URL) may be retrieved from the server 126 along with include one or more of the user's email address, Social media the song identifier. The video may then be streamed from a usernames, age, gender and Zip code. Upon completion, the US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
user's selection of a “save.” “done.” or equivalent icon may 0069 Advertiser Analytics direct the user to a page which allows them paid or free access 0070. In preferred embodiments, analytics available to the to an upgraded version. advertiser may include detailed analysis of user engagements 0060 Referring to FIG. 9 for illustration, in certain at each engagement point using a variety of metrics such as embodiments, users may land back on the landing page when CPM, CPE, CTR, and CPC. Alternatively or in addition, they return to the app 136 from song redemption via email or certain systems and methods herein may provide advertisers the music distributor’s own app. The page may be powered by with analytics of the engaged users’ demographics, such as the operating systems default web browser, and may be the percentage of males/females, or the number of engaged embedded within the app. In other embodiments, users may users at respective geographic locations. Further in the alter land on the landing page post redemption or as digital con native or in addition, embodiments of systems and methods tents are being downloaded for additional impressions and herein may allow advertisers to access the engaged users engagement period. data, such as the users’ email address or Facebook.(R) profile. 0061 Referring to FIG. 8, the content of the redemption (0071. Third Party Integration email may be fully customizable to the advertiser (but may 0072 The systems and methods described herein are preferably include a download button or link with the music adaptable to integrate with (e.g., comprise or be comprised distributor’s redemption code for their song). The redemption by) a variety of platforms (e.g., hosting platforms) currently button 170 in the email may be hyperlinked to a specific operated by third parties. Adaptations may take various redemption code of the partnering music distributor. Touch forms, depending on the nature of the hosting platform. For ing the button may exit the mail app and launch, for example, example, the distribution components and processes may be the iTunes Rapp, and direct users to either the sign in page different if the hosting platform is capable of dynamically (for users not logged in) or to the redeem page (for those generating content redemption codes in real time, thus ren already logged in). dering a server or database 150 to store redemption codes 0062. A player page may show the redeemed song being potentially unnecessary. Non-limiting examples of various played in the default music app. Amazon, for example, cur types of hosting platforms and how they may be integrated rently supports a browser-accessible cloud player after Song with or operate as part of the systems and methods discussed redemption via Amazon mp3. In certain embodiments, this herein are listed below. type of capability may be embedded within the app 136 of the 0073. A music discovery platform such as Pandora R, Spo present invention. It is envisioned that particular embodi tify(R), Shazam R. Myspace(R), and the like may integrate with ments will stay up to date on the streaming options from the the systems and methods disclosed herein, thereby making partnering music distributors and with therefore be ready for such systems and methods part of its current user flow by, for integration when those options become available. example, offering its users an option to redeem Songs of 0063 Advertiser Self-Serve Platform interest. A respective user option may take the form of, for 0064. Advertisers with a web presence may be provided example, a gesture controlled button or drop down option. with a login and platform enabling them to input their cam Upon indication of user interests in redemption, the hosting paign data. Such campaign data may include, for example, platform would serve engagements provided by embodi their logo (via upload or web link), ad landing page URL, ad ments of the present invention, including for example: video media item URL, “thank you' pop up message and ad mes page, landing page, social engagement page, redemption sage graphic for inclusion with the redemption emails. One or page, followed by the distribution of Songs to its users. more algorithms may be provided which allow advertisers to 0074. In addition to engagement side integration, the target users (and bid on access to Such users) by virtue of music discovery platform may also facilitate the distribution target parameters such as demographics, location and key internally. For example, if the platform has sufficient words. resources to host a virtual music store, it may distribute songs 0065 Advertiser General Work-Flow to its users via. direct links rather than relying on a third party 0066 Certain embodiments may allow advertisers to cus content distributor tomize their campaigns by way of, for example, a self-serve 0075 Digital music retailers like iTunes(R), Google Play(R), platform or alternative medium, Such as a live representative Amazon MP3R), etc. may integrate systems or methods or a simple fillable form. By way of non-limiting example, the described herein into their virtual stores by offering their advertiser may provide, for each campaigned, one or more of users an alternative option to redeem, rather than to purchase, the following: (a) an advertisement video file, or a URL for their contents. Upon redemption confirmation, these retailers the video, (b) a landing page URL, (c) a logo, (d) one or more may serve engagements by way of one or more systems and links to the advertiser's social profile(s), (e) an email (in html) methods described herein, followed by the distribution of the or custom text email message, and (I) a campaign budget. user-selected content via their normal distribution processes. 0067 Moreover, in particular embodiments, advertisers 0076 Advertising entities, such as Apple iAds(R), Kiip.R., may be presented with multiple targeting options, including Millenial MediaR, may integrate with certain systems and one or more of the following: location (in profile), real-time methods in accordance with the present invention by incor location, gender, age, interests (e.g., as defined by Face porating some or all of their own engagement elements. Such book(R) “Likes' or user-generated contents as tweets and as banner ads, app installs, and the like, to bring their users posts), “social word cloud' (e.g., as detailed below), and the content of higher value or to increase their revenue generated like. by user engagements. 0068. In particular preferred embodiments, once the cam (0077. Direct Link Redemption paign begins running, advertisers may have the ability to 0078 Certain embodiments may enable users to be pause and start the campaign, make changes to their cam rewarded with direct links to download contents from a third paign (including budget), and have access to the most up-to party distributor upon completion of the prescribed ad date analytics. impression period. These links may be stored in or generated US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
on demand by the distributor’s server database. A server run an analysis of the total number of matches, and apply provided by an operator of a system described herein may credits to everyone with matching credentials; (c) when users distribute the stored direct links to users through its own initiate redemptions, the server will assembly an dispatch the servers. Alternatively, it may also make calls to the distribu advertiser's video, landing page and email; and (d) data will tor's server to generate link, then distribute to its users. These constantly be push refreshed. When advertiser's credits are direct links may be distributed to users via email as well as close to running out, all remaining unclaimed credits will be embedded into a button on the redemption page to be opened removed from users. To prevent shock/misunderstanding, a by the in-app or external web browser. Users may be “?” button may be provided next to credits which explains prompted to authenticate their identity by the direct link land why credits fluctuate and the importance o redeeming as soon ing page and these direct links may be re-accessed at later as possible. times, across different devices, by the same user. 0089. On the advertiser end of these and other embodi 0079. “Social Word Cloud' Targeting ments: (a) advertisers may initiate campaigns by specifying 0080 Certain systems and methods in accordance with the the demographics they would like to advertise to and the present invention may aggregate user demographics data budget that they would like to spend on the campaign; (b) the including but not limited to age, gender, locations, interests, advertisers customize their campaigns with one or more land posts. Likes (Facebook.(R), Follows (Twitter(R), and the like ing pages and videos; (c) advertisers are given the option to through APIs from connected Social networks, and graphi enable “repeat impressions' on the same user; (d) advertisers cally organize common and connected data into “Social Word are shown the approximate total audience they are reaching— Clouds. “repeated impressions” will have an infinite audience and 0081. Each unique demographics data point may prefer each landing page or video advertisement will approximately ably have its own cloud, and the Social Word Cloud sizes may double the amount of users that the advertisers reach; (e) vary depending on the number of users with matching demo advertisers will be given the total number of engagements data. The Word Cloud may be presented as part of the ana served at each point, as well as their average CPE (which may lytics delivered to advertisers to provide recommendations be, for example less than $0.43); and (f) advertisers will see for improving their targeting practices and marketing effi money spent is less than their specified budget, so as to ciencies. The Word Cloud may also be presented as a target prevent the overflow over redemptions over budget. ing tool for advertisers to graphically select the demographics 0090. On the user end of such embodiments: (a) user will they wish to target in their campaigns. see the number of credits they have in settings, the number 0082) Ad Choice will be push-refreshed automatically but can also be manu 0083. In accordance with particular embodiments, users ally refreshed via “pull down'; (b) “?” button next to credits may presented with an Ad Choice Screen after selecting a which leads to an explanation as to why this number is Song for redemption. This screen may contain, for example, a dynamic; (c) users are free to redeem credits for any songs in list of advertisers whose targeted demographics matches that the operator-defined catalog; (d) Top 50 songs will be deliv of the user. Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B for non-limiting ered substantially instantaneously, while the rest are deliv illustration, the matching advertisers may be presented to ered within several hours. users in, for example, a scrollable list of horizontal rows or in 0091. While embodiments of the invention have been square shaped blocks. Matching advertisers may preferably illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodi be displayed in order of the relevance of their ad, as deter ments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the inven mined, for example, by the overall number of times the adver tion. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of tisers’ campaigns have been selected in the past. The system description rather than limitation, and it is understood that may load the selected advertisers campaign and proceed to various changes may be made without departing from the serve the respective Video, landing page, engagement page, spirit and scope of the invention. and email as discussed herein. What is claimed is: 0084 Data Mining Targeting 0085 Systems and methods in accordance with certain 1. A method of incentivized advertising, the method com embodiments of the present invention may aggregate and prising the steps of: organize all of its user demographic data in a data mining displaying a content identifier on a user computing device, fashion into searchable and targetable groups. Such data may the content identifier identifying a digital content item, include, for example, demographics extracted from users the digital content item being available for a purchase Social profiles such as gender, age, interests, and the like, as price by the general public; well as user self-generated contents such as their status providing a selection icon in visual association with the updates (FacebookR), their tweets (Twitter(R), or their pins content identifier, wherein the selection icon is select (Pinterest(R). able by the user; I0086. Features of Credit System Embodiments if the selection icon is selected, presenting at least a portion 0087 Certain additional embodiments may include spe of an advertisement media item on the user computing cial backend features, advertiser features and user features device, wherein the advertisement media item pertains design to further optimize the effectiveness of the advertisers to a product, service or brand of an advertiser and is campaign budgets. presentable for at least an ad impression period; and 0088. On the backend of such embodiments: (a) each time if the advertisement media item is presented for at least the a user signs up, all available user demographics data is ad impression period, imparting the digital content item extracted and stored on the server. Any data left “blank” to the user at a discount, the discount being a reduction automatically passes the match (so as to avoid alienating a in the purchase price or for free. large number of users over nonexistent user locations, etc.); 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of imparting is (b) each time advertisers create a campaign, the server may accomplished by issuing a respective redemption code to the US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014 user, the redemption code being redeemable in exchange for visual association with a message graphic, the message the digital content item at the discount. graphic depicting at least one or more of a product, 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the redemption code is service or brand of the advertiser. represented by an activatable redemption icon presented in 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium simultaneous visual association with a message graphic, the of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises the steps message graphic depicting at least one or more of a product, of: service or brand of the advertiser. after the video advertisement has been presented for at least 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the redemption code is the ad impression period: issued by an email. exhibiting, on the user computing device, an advertiser 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the redemption code is landing page; and electronically transferable by the user to a transferee, thereby revealing on the user computing device a social media allowing the transferee to redeem the redemption code. landing page, the Social media landing page including 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital content item one or more selectable links by which the user my enter is chosen from the group consisting of a song, a TV episode, one or more respective Social networking pages of the a movie, a game, and a Software application. advertiser. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement media 18. A method comprising the steps of: item is a video advertisement. receiving campaign data of an advertiser, the campaign 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the video advertisement data including at least an advertiser name, an ad media is streamed from a video server element. item URL and an ad landing page URL: 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the ad impression period acquiring an inventory of redemption codes, the redemp is the full length of the video advertisement. tion codes being redeemable in exchange for respective 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the ad impression digital content items, the digital content items being period is a fixed amount of time equal to or less than the full available for a purchase price by the general public; length of the video advertisement. providing a software application for installation on a user 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the ad impression computing device of a user, wherein the Software appli period is an amount of time calculated as a fixed percentage of cation is configured to enable: the full length of the video advertisement. (a) display of one or more content identifiers on the user 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: computing device, the content identifiers each identi exhibiting, on the user computing device, an advertiser fying a respective one of the digital content items: landing page after the advertisement media item has (b) provision of a respective selection icon in visual been presented for at least the ad impression period. association with one or more of the content identifiers, 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the landing page is a wherein the selection icons are selectable by the user; web page of the advertiser. and 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: (c) if one of the selection icons is selected, presentation after the step of imparting, revealing on the user computing of at least a portion of a respective advertisement device a social media landing page, the Social media media item on the user computing device, wherein landing page including one or more selectable links by each advertisement media item pertains to a product, which the user may enter one or more respective Social service or brand of the advertiser and is presentable networking pages of the advertiser. for at least an ad impression period; and 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection icon is obtaining user registration data of the user, including an further provided in visual association with a logo of the adver electronic address thereof; tiser. verifying whether a respective advertisement media item 16. A non-transitory, computer readable storage medium was presented for at least the ad impression period, and storing a program that causes a user computing device to if it was, issuing a respective one of the redemption conduct a method, the method comprising: codes to the user, wherein the redemption code is repre displaying a content identifier on the user computing sented by an activatable redemption icon presentable in device, the content identifieridentifying a digital content simultaneous visual association with at least one ad item, the digital content item being available for a pur view, each at least one ad view depicting at least one or chase price by the general public through a digital con more of a product, service or brand of the advertiser. tent Store; 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: providing a selection icon in visual association with the the campaign data includes a message graphic; and content identifier, wherein the selection icon is select the redemption code is issued at least by way of the elec able by the user; tronic address, the respective ad view being the message if the selection icon is selected, presenting at least a portion graphic. of a video advertisement on the user computing device, 20. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the ad wherein the video advertisement is streamed from a views is an ad landing page presentable by way of the ad remote server, pertains to a product, service or brand of landing page URL. an advertiser and is presentable for at least an ad impres 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the presentation of at sion period; and least a portion of a respective advertisement media item on the if the video advertisement is presented for at least the ad user computing device is by way of streaming from a third impression period, causing the digital content item to be party remote server. imparted to the user for free by way of a redemption 22. The method of claim 18, wherein: code, the redemption code being represented by an acti the step of acquiring campaign data is performed for each Vatable redemption icon presented in simultaneous of a multiplicity of advertisers; US 2014/OO67516 A1 Mar. 6, 2014
the steps of providing the Software application and obtain (iv) provide one or more content identifiers to the user ing user registration data are performed for each of a computing device for display thereon, the content plurality of users; identifiers each identifying a respective one of the the campaign data includes one or more target profile digital content items; parameters elected by the respective advertiser, the tar (V) receive a verification from the user computing device get profile parameters including one or more of the that an ad media item has been played thereon for at demographic, geographic location and interests of tar least an ad impression period, wherein the ad media item pertains to a product, service or brand of the geted users; advertiser and is accessible by the user computing the user registration data includes secondary user data, the device by way of the ad media item URL: and secondary user data including one or more of the demo (vi) once the Verification has been received, issuing a graphic, geographic location and interests of the respec respective one of the redemption codes to the user, tive user, and wherein Such redemption code is represented by an applying a rule whereby the advertisement media item activatable redemption icon presentable in simulta presented to each respective user is based, at least in part, neous visual association with at least one ad view, on a match between the target profile parameters of the each at least one adview depicting at least one or more respective advertiser and the secondary user data of the of a product, service or brand of the advertiser. respective user. 24. A system of claim 23 wherein the administrator ele 23. A system for incentivized advertising, the system com ment is comprised Substantially of one or more computers. prising: 25. A system of claim 24 wherein the administrator ele an administrator element configured to: ment forms an integral portion of the server element. (a) receive campaign data of an advertiser, the campaign 26. A system of claim 23 wherein the digital content items data including at least an advertiser name and an ad are songs and the ad media item is a video advertisement. media item URL, and 27. A method of claim 1 wherein in the step of presenting, (b) acquire an inventory of redemption codes, the the advertisement media item is that of an advertiser selected redemption codes being redeemable in exchange for by the user from an ad choice screen, the ad choice Screen respective digital content items, the digital content displaying a list of advertisers whose targeted demographics items being available for a purchase price by the gen match those of the user. eral public; and 28. A method of claim 27 wherein the list of advertisers are a server element configured to: displayed in order of relevance of their respective ad to the (i) be in electronic communication between the admin demographics of user. istrator elementanda user computing device of a user; 29. A method of claim 28 wherein the relevance of the (ii) receive the campaign data from the administrator respective ads is determined, at least in part, by the number of element; times each of advertisers have been selected by other users (iii) receive user registration data from the user comput having similar demographics to the user. ing device; k k k k k