Google announced in March 2018 that they will ban cryptocurrency and Initial Coin Offerings related advertisements starting from June 2018. At the time I am writing this post, I can still see that Google allows cryptocurrency and ICO related advertisements in Google search, Google display network and Youtube. You may know that Facebook also doesn't allow cryptocurrency ads anymore. In a recent article in Independent.co.uk, I saw that industry experts are saying that ban of crypto related ads are unethical as Google still allows other ads such as gambling ads.
I am not going to argue whether their decision is correct or not. However, I would like to explain who will benefit from this crypto ads ban. So let's directly jump in to the topic.
There is no doubt that most of companies/start ups will look in to other opportunities to reach the maximum audience as there is no way to advertise their ICO or cryptocurrency business in Google search and Youtube. They can't advertise even in Facebook.
1. Cryptocurrency or Bitcoin Advertising Networks
The first party that gain the benefit because of this ads ban is Bitcoin advertising networks. These advertising networks usually show ads only in cryptocurrency related websites. Therefore this will be the next choice for advertisers who want to promote their cryptocurrency businesses or ICOs to reach the targeted audience.
Bitcoin advertising networks such as Bittraffic, Coin Traffic, A-Ads and Coinzilla will get more demand from the advertisers and will be able to increase their revenue.
2. ICO listing Websites
You may already noted that most of these ads are ICO ads. One of best way to reach the targeted audience for them is ICO listing websites as people who are interested in investing ICOs usually check ICO details using these websites. Now, these websites will be attractive destinations for ICO advertisers. This means ICO listing websites can easily make money by featuring sponsored ICOs.
ICO listing sites such as ICO alert, ICO drops, ICO bench, Token market, ICO hot list, Coin schedule and List ICO will get more sponsored ICOs thanks to Google's decision.
3. Bounty Managers and Bounty Hunters
You may noted that not all ICOs offer bounty campaigns. However, bounty campaigns will be more valuable than before with this ads ban. Most of start ups and companies that wants to hold ICO in the future will allocate a small percentage from their token allocation to a bounty campaign as it help them to reach and promote their ICOs via social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram and LinkedIn virtually at no cost. Not just social media, they will be able to create content, videos regarding the ICOs as well as promote ICOs in most popular cryptocurrency forum; bitcointalk through bounty hunters' signature.
Therefore, bounty managers will get more bounty campaigns to handle and the bounty hunters will be able to enjoy free tokens for their contribution.
I think these are the parties that will get the maximum benefit from Google's cryptocurrency ads ban. Apart from these parties generally popular cryptocurrency web sites may get more offers from the advertisers for sponsored posts as well as ads. Therefore, the revenue that Google adwords earned from crypto and ICO advertisers will be shifted to these parties as the final result.