Advertising is Meta’s biggest source of revenue, and the company plans to make it even more intrusive on Instagram. According to posts on social networks, Instagram users began to notice a new type of advertising in the application, which, like YouTube, cannot be skipped right away. Users have to watch a few seconds of the video before moving on to regular content.
In a post on Reddit, users specified that if they clicked on the info icon next to the ad, a message would appear stating, “You see a commercial break. This is a new way to view ads on Instagram. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before continuing.” This change in ad delivery is causing a stir among users, with many expressing frustration over the increased intrusion.
Meta’s Response and Future Updates
In a comment to TechCrunch, a Meta representative noted that the company regularly “tests formats that may benefit advertisers” and “will provide updates” if those tests lead to “any official product changes.” However, Meta did not specify whether the tests are being conducted worldwide, and whether they apply separately to Reels and Stories. The lack of clarity on the extent and scope of these tests leaves users wondering how widespread these changes might become, notes NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated on any further developments regarding this new ad format on Instagram. For now, it is evident that Meta is exploring new ways to integrate advertisements into users’ feeds more seamlessly, aiming to balance revenue generation with user experience.