System and method for advertisement identification, selection, and distribution involving a peer-to-peer network

A method of presenting an advertisement to a user executing content at a device is provided. A request for content is sent to a device in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. A file is received from the P2P network. The file includes the content requested and a campaign file. The campaign file includes information identifying when and which advertisements are presented to a user during execution of the requested content. The received file is installed and the requested content is executed. A time is determined for presenting an advertisement based on information read from the campaign file. At the determined time, the advertisement is requested and presented. The advertisement itself is delivered either in-advance of a request or on demand in response to a request as determined by the campaign file. The advertisement is delivered from either the content-requesting device, a peer or server in the P2P network, or a third party Internet delivery service. As an example, an Internet consumer requests a streamed video and receives as part of the stream a campaign file outlining the types of advertisements relevant to the video, and where to play them. The consumer's previous requests may result in the pre-delivery of advertisements. One of these available advertisements is selected for display during the playback of the video.