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Affiliates Strike Again! UC Browser not on Google Play anymore! (9)

11-14-2017 07:49 PM #1 manu_adefy (Veteran Member)
Affiliates Strike Again! UC Browser not on Google Play anymore!

UC Browser has mysteriously disappeared from the Google Play Store


https://www.androidauthority.com/uc-...-store-814694/

"UC Browser for Android appears to have been taken down from the Google Play Store. The mobile-friendly version of the web browser seemingly disappeared without a trace earlier today, just weeks after the app topped 500 million downloads on Google’s mobile store."

Everyone who's been in affiliate marketing in the past 3 years or maybe more probably knows the on and off situation with many of these apps, and their problematic relationship with Google Play.

The articles cites different reasons that the ones I know to be typical of mobile apps, which is simply affiliates running them with very aggressive angles.

"Many of the Reddit posters addressing UC Browser’s unexpected disappearance seem to think that the recent allegations are to blame, as it had been thought that the app could be banned in India should the accusations hold any water."

11-14-2017 10:18 PM #2 matuloo (Legendary Moderator)

Well, UC browser traffic never converted anyways, so I won't be crying about this one

11-15-2017 01:50 AM #3 erikgyepes (Moderator)

Not the best news for UC.

Quote Originally Posted by matuloo View Post
Well, UC browser traffic never converted anyways, so I won't be crying about this one
You would be crying if you'd promoted it, haha.

11-16-2017 09:43 PM #4 manu_adefy (Veteran Member)

Seems my read was spot on...

http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/11...oogles-policy/

"Android Police previously signed up as an affiliate of UC Union, the browser's parent company (though we are not currently working with them). A week ago, we received this email from the company:

Dear Partner, We hereby emphasis again that UC Union prohibits any and all misleading/malicious advertising method(s) to procure new users when promoting UC Browser campaigns, such as by using slogan inconsistent with the Product functions, or by using inductive slogan.

DO NOT use the Malicious Promotion method(s) or STOP such behavior immediately if you are acting so.

Upon discovery a Malicious Promotion, UC Union is entitled to (i) STOP your payment settlement, or DEDUCT your corresponding payment made to you; (ii) compensation in recovery of the loss suffered by UC Union,

including but not limited to loss of UC Union’s good will, loss of users of UC Union Product(s), removal of UC Union Product(s) from Google Play or Apple Store, and any other loss as a result of your Malicious Promotion;

(iii) require you to CLARIFY the facts for elimination of the negative impact shed upon UC Union; and (iv) resort to any other legal measures if necessary.

That seemed to indicate that misleading and malicious/redirecting ads were being used to increase installs for UC Browser recently. This isn't the first time this has happened either - UC Union previously pulled the affiliate program after some partners resorted to malicious ads. The company reinstated the program a few months ago, but it seems like ad problems have been cropping up again."

There you have it... some affiliates cause one of the top apps to get removed from Google Play.

11-16-2017 10:13 PM #5 matuloo (Legendary Moderator)

Yup, I know affiliates have been using these utils to convert with the most aggressive angles. Guess, the party is coming to an end for many of them.

11-17-2017 10:46 AM #6 cbrughmans (Member)

This is really not a surprise. One of the most difficult advertisers ever to work with.

11-17-2017 10:50 AM #7 eurosen (AMC Alumnus)

With regards to this and mobile CPI in general, do you think mobile CPI is still an interesting market to focus on in 2017 and beyond?

11-17-2017 11:00 AM #8 manu_adefy (Veteran Member)

Quote Originally Posted by eurosen View Post
With regards to this and mobile CPI in general, do you think mobile CPI is still an interesting market to focus on in 2017 and beyond?
I'd say yes but in a very different way compared to the utilities boom period. I'm actually MC'ing a panel on AWA2017 where we will touch on this topic - will share some of the key points for it since mobile apps in general are still growing, but the impact affiliates have is different plus the rules of the game have changed too.

11-17-2017 12:20 PM #9 dragoshsd (Member)

Good riddance. Hope they take their whole portfolio down. Worst advertiser I've ever dealt with.

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