Today, Automattic announced on their blog that they have released the AdControl plugin. With this plugin, any self-hosted WordPress site can earn income trough wordpress.com ad network: WordAds .

WordAds is the Ad Network used on all WordPress.com hosted blogs. Normal users of hosted wordpress can’t opt out WordAds unless they are purchasing VIP or Premium membership. The revenue earned is shared with the blog owners.

Normally, WordAds offers ads in a middle rectangle unit ( 300×250 )placed directly below post content. Some sites also show a header leaderboard and a sidebar wide skyscraper.

Self-hosted wordpress users can now make money from their blogs and websites too by opting into WordAds network. First, they must apply for an WordAds account and download and install AdControl plugin ( make sure Jetpack is installed ). At this moment, the plugin allows only the middle rectangle ad ( 300×250 ) under the post content.

This is a big step ahead for Automattic and WordPress. According to Builtwith.com, there are more than 15 million websites built with WordPress. This is a big opportunity for self-hosted wordpress users to earn more revenue, but also for Advertisers to find new ways to advertise. With this move, there is a new big player in the Ad industry.

Here is the official announcement.