Abstract: A method for playing web-based media content from a media content proprietor (40) on a media player (12, 14), free of charge, the method comprising the steps of downloading media content and advertising content from a content provider (19) to the media player (12, 14); attempting to play on the media player (12, 14) the advertising content a predetermined number of times; counting a number of times the media content is played; transmitting the counted number to the content provider (19); calculating by the content provider (19) a royalty payment for the media content proprietor (40) based on the counted number, and carrying out payment; and the content provider (19) receiving an advertising revenue (44) associated with the actual number of times the advertising content is played; wherein downloading of the advertising content is optionally done together with playing the media content.