BitTorrent, the peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol that reshaped how the internet moves data, is turning 25. To mark the milestone, the company behind the technology is offering a 25% discount on its Pro plans. The deal runs from July 25 through August 25.
A quarter-century of decentralized sharing
BitTorrent launched in 2004, but the protocol itself traces its roots to 2001. The idea was simple: instead of downloading a file from one server, users share pieces with each other. That decentralized approach made it fast and resilient. It also made BitTorrent a favorite for distributing everything from Linux ISOs to pirated movies.
Over the years, the technology has been bought and sold. The company behind the official BitTorrent client has pivoted toward legal content and paid services. Today, BitTorrent remains a household name in file-sharing, even as streaming dominates.
What the Pro plan gets you
The Pro plan removes ads, offers faster downloads, and includes a media player. Normally priced at $19.99 a year, the 25% discount brings it to $14.99. The offer is available to new and existing users. BitTorrent says the deal is a thank-you to its community.
The timing lines up with the anniversary, but also with a broader push to convert free users into paying customers. The company has been testing other features, like a built-in VPN, to attract subscribers.
BitTorrent's decentralized roots are still central to its pitch. The protocol doesn't rely on a central server, which means it can't be easily shut down. That's a selling point in an era of censorship and takedowns.
The discount is live now. Users have until August 25 to grab it.
