GetJar has given away $1m worth of 'premium apps'

Downloads up 5,000 per cent since it launched the GetJar Gold promotion three weeks ago.

The GetJar Gold program offers for free premium apps that users would typically pay up to $10 for on other sites.

It is ad-funded, ensuring that developers are compensated on a per-download basis. And as ever GetJar is trading on the trialling value of its model, stating that free applications are downloaded 10 to 20 times more often than paid apps.

Participating Gold publishers include Gamelion, Konami, BBC Worldwide and Mobisoft.

Dan Metcalfe, CEO of Mobisoft Corporation, said: "Imperio generated more downloads in the first week of launch with GetJar Gold than on any other market, bringing in three times more revenue than we’ve previously seen."

Ilja Laurs, GetJar CEO, said: "This is by far the most successful program in the history of GetJar. We are thrilled with the explosive traction the Gold program is getting and are working hard to further build out our offering to consumers and developers."