BitTorrent is launching a new online media format letting content creators offer downloads in exchange for ‘additional steps’ such as providing an email or a cash donation, as the firm looks to distance itself from piracy and provide an alternative distribution model for the creative industry.
The San Francisco firm’s peer-to-peer data transfer technology has been blamed for helping online piracy to flourish, thanks to its use by several copyright-infringing media sites. However, the technology is also used for many legitimate reasons, such as Facebook moving large chunks of data around the web.
To promote the format, the company has teamed up with music label Ultra to release material from Kaskade, an American DJ.
Bundle files will work similar to traditional torrents, but instead offer some of the downloadable content for free while users will need to take additional steps to access further material – like offering an email address or a monetary ‘donation’.
The file groups together a range of content, some of which can only be accessed once the user enters a key.
BitTorrent said it believed the format had the potential to “revolutionise” the media industry.
When the file is downloaded, users are taken to a webpage offering them instant access to a song and video trailer. However, they need to enter their email address to unlock other content, including a tour booklet and short film.
This email address can later by used by the artist to promote their concerts or other merchandise.
In the future, BitTorrent said users could also be required to pay a fee before added content was released.
BitTorrent has also posted a short video promotion for the new service, which you can watch below.
Read the announcement on the company blog here
