Picture this: you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, enjoying photos and updates from friends, when suddenly, you hit a roadblock—a video ad you can’t skip. Yep, you’re stuck watching until it’s over. Sounds annoying, right? Well, that’s the latest testing feature on Instagram: unskippable video ads invading your feed.
What is happening to Instagram?
Instagram is testing out unskippable video ads that force you to watch before you can keep scrolling. It’s a bold move that’s got people talking.
Instagram’s rationale behind this bold move is multifaceted. With the platform increasingly populated by AI-recommended content and short-form Reels videos, there’s ample space for advertisements to seamlessly blend in. By integrating unskippable ads into users’ feeds, Instagram aims to capitalize on this prime real estate for advertising revenue.
Yet, the imposition of unskippable ads raises valid concerns about user experience. Comparable to YouTube’s notorious unskippable video ads, which often prompt users to resort to ad blockers, Instagram’s new format risks alienating its user base. The notion of being forcibly subjected to promotions while navigating the platform contradicts the essence of Instagram’s user-centric approach.
Is Instagram Premium coming?
Amidst the debate over Instagram’s unskippable video ads, there’s speculation about a possible alternative: Instagram Premium.
This premium service could offer an ad-free experience for a monthly fee, providing users relief from interruptions and offering Instagram an additional revenue stream, like Elon Musk’s X did.
While the idea is speculative, it raises intriguing possibilities for users seeking a seamless browsing experience.
The big question is, is it worth it? Will these ads make Instagram more money or just annoy users? Only time will tell. For now, users are waiting to see how Instagram responds and whether these ads are here to stay.
