Gigya Launches Widget Distribution Network; 2008 Prediction Coming True?

Gigya is announcing the public launch of its "widget distribution network" today. This is great news considering that widget ads was one of my 2008 predictions. There's no reason that advertising widgets can't take over the ad market this year as long as they get the needed distribution. Gigya is trying to help that by allowing advertisers and brands to use their network to push out their widgets.

One of the reasons why I believe widgets are left behind is because they don't drive as many visitors to the brand web site. This is always a big push for brands - now they are slowly starting to realize that its about brand interaction - who cares where that interaction happens.

The key for growth and acceptance lies in two areas: payout/money and analytics. The more money that's paid out to the publishers obviously the higher acceptance there will be. But for advertisers and brands, the ability to report back to management about the effectiveness about the widgets will be key.

Kristen has some additional information taking a look at other widget ad players.