Instagram, the popular social media platform owned by Meta, has announced that they are currently testing new ad formats that may provide value for advertisers. The company confirmed that updates will be provided if the test results in permanent changes to the platform.
Meta, like other tech giants, is exploring the idea of forcing users to watch ads. YouTube, for example, has been known for showing unskippable ads to users who do not pay for the ad-free premium tier. Some users have resorted to using ad-blocking tools to avoid these ads, but Google is working to block these tools to ensure that users view the ads.
However, a study conducted by TikTok in January revealed that forcing users to watch ads may actually lead to less engagement. A majority of participants admitted that they were more likely to attempt to skip the ad or even leave the app altogether rather than engage with subsequent content. This raises questions about the effectiveness of forcing users to view advertisements and whether it’s truly beneficial for both users and advertisers.
