Brave Search Ads exit beta

Brave, the privacy-focused browser with over 65 million monthly active users, announced the official launch of Brave Search Ads on May 30, 2024. This move follows a successful 18-month testing phase with major brands like Amazon, Dell, and Shutterstock.

Brave Search Ads aim to disrupt the search advertising landscape currently dominated by Google. They promise a privacy-preserving alternative for advertisers seeking to reach engaged audiences while respecting user privacy.

This focus on user privacy seems to be resonating. According to Brave, a third of the top US search advertisers by media spend are already testing or using Brave Search Ads. Additionally, 89% of customers who started campaigns since the beginning of 2024 have continued advertising with Brave.

Brave Search, available globally on desktop and mobile, boasts over 10 billion annual queries, making it the fastest-growing search engine since Bing. This user base presents a valuable opportunity for advertisers to reach a privacy-conscious demographic.

"We’ve built a highly effective ad platform that, with time and continued support from global advertisers," said Jean-Paul Schmetz, Head of Search Ads at Brave. "Brave Ad Platform has the power to challenge Google’s monopoly on search advertising."

Brave Search Ads are currently available on a managed service basis in the US, Canada, UK, France, and Germany. To qualify, brands must meet a minimum ad impression threshold in their target region.

Brave offers a 14-day free trial to allow brands to assess the platform's effectiveness before committing to paid campaigns. Ads are sold on a cost-per-click basis with pre-negotiated rates.

By prioritizing user privacy and offering a growing user base, Brave Search Ads are making a bold play to challenge Google's dominance in the search advertising market. The coming months will reveal if Brave can entice more major advertisers and disrupt the current landscape.