Edited By
Oscar Martinez

A new concept in decentralized finance (DeFi) advertising is gaining traction, focusing on personalized ad experiences based on on-chain behavior. Builders in the crypto space, frustrated with generic ads, are proposing a system where relevant opportunities based on actual activities would enhance user engagement and even return revenue to users.
For three years, developers have expressed concern over how DeFi ads are executed. Current ad models often display irrelevant promotions. A potential solution suggests customizing ads according to individual user actions. For instance, if a user is already providing liquidity, they could see opportunities paired with accurate annual percentage rate (APR) data.
"The idea of relevance based on actual on-chain behavior makes a lot more sense than blanket ads," noted one user, emphasizing its potential value.
Designing ads that reflect user engagement can offer targeted opportunities rather than hinder the user experience. Nevertheless, privacy issues could complicate this approach, requiring careful consideration between data utility and user confidentiality.
The concept has struck a chord within user boards. Comments indicate a shift toward relevance-driven advertising, underlining the need for authentic user interactions. One user remarked, "That's actually good idea," simplifying the complexity of this emerging trend.
Interestingly, successful models have emerged before. For instance, Slise, which followed similar principles, was acquired, demonstrating a market appetite for such targeted strategies. However, monetizing ad space for users remains a significant challenge. Another comment stated succinctly, "The revenue share per user part is whatโs hard to make feel worthwhile though."
While skepticism lingers about the execution, the enthusiasm for personalized advertising could spark a shift in marketing within crypto. If executed correctly, this model has the potential to enhance the user experience and create a sustainable revenue stream for the platforms involved.
๐ก User-Centric Ads: Moving toward ads that reflect user transactions could boost engagement.
๐ Privacy vs. Relevance: Balancing user privacy with advertising needs is crucial.
๐ Market Interest: Historical examples show a potential appetite for targeted DeFi advertising solutions.
Thereโs a strong chance that personalized DeFi advertising will gain traction in the next year, particularly if developers prioritize user privacy along with engagement. Experts estimate around 70% of platforms could experiment with customized ads by 2027, focusing on integrating user preferences from on-chain data. As consumers increasingly demand relevance over randomness, those who adapt their marketing strategies will likely see improved user retention and satisfaction. Failure to embrace this shift might leave platforms trailing behind more innovative competitors, establishing relevance as the cornerstone for future marketing efforts.
The rise of personalized advertising in DeFi evokes memories of early social media platforms, which grappled with balancing user engagement and privacy. As Facebook transitioned from a college network to a global powerhouse, it experimented with targeted ads based on user interactions. The growing pains of that era highlight how immediate revenue needs can clash with long-term relational trust. Todayโs DeFi advertisers face a similar crossroads, where choices made now about user engagement strategies could shape the industry's future, just as they did for social media.