Glam Media has launched its application platform, called Glam Apps Atako, to the public. The platform was originally unveiled in July, and has remained in private beta until now.
Each application allows bloggers and site owners to quickly implement new functionality into their sites, with available options for syndicating content, adding rich media, and enhancing posts with comments and polls. At launch available apps include Sphere, BuzzFeed, Meebo, PollDaddy, PicApp, JS-Kit, and Kwanzoo, along with a video delivery widget developed in-house called GlamTV. Glam has also built the platform with monetization in mind, offering an integrated monetization system with built-in support for rev-shares. Built with Google Gadgets, the Glam Platform also supports OpenSocial and OpenID. The platform itself will also be open sourced, says Glam CEO Samir Arora.
These new applications seem to be blog enhancers on the same order as WordPress plugins, without the social functionality seen on application platforms from the likes of Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn. That said, the platform could still be a steady source of revenue for the Glam, as the company will take a portion of the proceeds earned by each app.
There are similarities between the platform and the recently launched SproutMixer, which also lets brands and others build Flash apps/ads for publishers.
Glam Media is a diverse company, offering a network of sites primarily geared towards women (though it recently launched its Brash network for men), as well as an ad network that serves advertising to other blogs and affiliates on its network.
As much as we’ve taken shots at Glam over the last year, I have to say this. They’re aggressive and pushing the envelope with monetization. If you’re a Glam publisher, let us know how that’s working out for you.
Great Apps. What about Flickr integration or a forum module?
Genius. As a publisher, it takes so much work to try to keep up with the technology and manage widgets. Being able to go to Glam and simply clicking and choosing the applications I want and placing them makes my life easier. Specially like the ones that make money like GlamTV and give great videos that we can use, building my own polls, and the feed one.
Very very easy to use, and they help make money.
smart. give publishers high dollar CPM ads, then lock them into Glam with other services and applications to help them grow their traffic. sounds a lot like google with adsense + analytics + gadgets. now the question is, will the advertising market hold up…
I am a publisher and although my blog is not my main source of income I am very satisfied with the revenue I get from Glam. The ads, Glam TV and now this is very exciting. I look forward to trying all of those programs they offer
This is good news for us the owners of medium size sites who are actively looking for other ways to add value to our sites and make more money. I have tried everything that glam has offered and my income keeps growing as my traffic grows. the high paying ads, glamtv, below the fold ads, free services and now another chance to make more money is very exciting for us.
Sweet, another app platform for developers to learn. Just what the world needs right now!
the whole point of it being an OpenSocial platform means you don’t have to learn a new platform … it’s the same standard as is being used on myspace, hi5, etc
I’d also like to point out that “Arianna”, “Fashion and Gossip”, and “Bennett” all sound suspiciously enthusiastic about this.
Yes, there always are for any Glam posts. I wonder if they will be as enthusiastic when Glam goes out of business….i will be
Glam are going out of business?
Not everyone is happy with Glam.com at this point . 700 blogs and how many do you REALLY think are making a lot of money? I know bloggers who have been in since the beginning of the blog network — and are making LESS money now than they did initially- while their traffic grows.
Given the financial problems Glam has been facing and postponing payments to blogs (big and small ones alike), it seems that their 85 million in the bank isn’t enough.
Bells and whistles are great but really what turns me on (or off) is the amount of money I am making– finding out I can’t collect on my January 09 till May 09 (instead of Mar 09) isn’t making me happy.
I know that there are a NUMBER of unhappy smaller bloggers who are NOT happy. I know that the largest ones will have problems keeping staff.
It will go out of business, its a house cards.
Look at that gigantic FotoViewr shot. That app is awesome.
Great app guys!
Here’s one Glam publisher that can’t wait to put his hands on some sweet legal photography. In addition, you really scored with a easy to use interface this time. This is EXACTELLY what I needed – good job
legal photos are great. I found some easy ways to get them that were always legal but not always free– or had watermarks on them. However the ability to get x number of photos per month free (with adverts) is great.
I am hoping with all the ad networks I have going on the blog+ mobile provider that’s in beta ( 310.tv / snakk media) the hard work will be paying off in lots more traffic + more $$
we (PicApp) are very excited to be part of Glam Apps and to be able to bring millions of premium, legal and free celeb (and other) images to bloggers and online publishers.
As someone who has been “playing around” with the platform for couple of weeks now I really think it’s a great idea combined with a smart execution.
Dean – It’s great to hear that coming from a Glam publisher. Please try it out and let us know how we can improve it.
This house of cards does not sound like a publisher comment. Grow up. Stop being jealous. Just because you are not a part of the Glam Network, doesn’t mean you have to get mean and nasty. The money we make comes from Glam, and a little from Google. Is Google a house of cards too in your mind? Many business have companies that bring smaller companies together, from tv to franchise businesses. Glam is no different. We do what we do best, and they help us get revenue and other perks and services.
Yas, these are tough times. But there is really no alternative to Glam for us. And they listen to us, specially their Community Team. It is really really hard to be a publisher if you are not an engineer. Glam makes it easier. This platform is another reason we stand by them. Yes money is first and most important, but is not the only criteria. Don’t see any other network doing this for their publishers do you? Bringing higher CPM’s ads in widgets?