Google Display Network Ads Support New Free Music Service

Google announced the launch of a free version of Google Play Music that will be supported by display and video ads. Advertisers running ads on the Google Display Network in the U.S. are now opted-in to show ads on Google Play Music.

Users in the U.S. can start listening free to curated playlists, or stations, created around activities such as Driving, Working Out, Having Friends Over on the web today. The stations are a carry-over from Google’s acquisition of Songza last year. Google says it is rolling out the free version to Android and iOS devices this week.

Ad inventory is available through the Google Display Network and formats include TruView video ads and Lightbox ads, which are rich media ads that expand when clicked, that can display on all devices. However, basic banner ads are also being served on the site as well, as shown in the display ad for Stanford below. Retargeted text ads are also being served on desktop.