Do you use Instagram frequently? Get ready for a possible source of annoyance.
Instagram acknowledged to The Verge that it is actively testing a feature that stops users from avoiding advertisements. This feature has already caused a great deal of user reaction, despite the fact that it is still in beta testing and has no set release date.
The feature, known as a “ad break,” affects both normal postings and stories. A Reddit user posted a screenshot of this test and claimed that the function breaks up the typical scrolling experience. This is how it operates: You may unexpectedly get to a point when you are scrolling through your feed where it “hits the bottom,” causing a notification to appear that indicates a “Ad break.” It is now necessary for you to scroll up or down to find an ad. Once you find it, a six-second countdown begins, during which you must watch the ad.
Users Express Concerns
Many users have expressed frustration over this new feature, highlighting the already high number of ads on Instagram. The comparison has been made to YouTube, where viewers are often required to watch ads before viewing content, but at least receive content in return. In contrast, the Instagram ad breaks disrupt the seamless scrolling experience, potentially occurring after every 4-5 Reels, significantly reducing user satisfaction.
Content creators also worry that these frequent ad interruptions might decrease their viewership as users may become annoyed and disengaged.
YouTube’s Battle Against Adblockers
In a related vein, YouTube has been intensifying its efforts against adblocker users, leading to new frustrations. Initially, YouTube began displaying messages asking users to disable their adblockers. If ignored, these prompts prevented videos from playing, forcing many users to either uninstall their adblockers or find workarounds.
A new issue has emerged this week: YouTube videos are skipping to the end for users with adblockers installed. This glitch occurs repeatedly, rendering the platform almost unusable unless the adblocker is disabled. When the adblocker is turned off, videos play normally without interruptions.
The Bigger Picture
Both Instagram and YouTube’s recent moves reflect a broader trend of platforms attempting to maximize ad revenue, even at the expense of user experience. These changes, however, might drive users away or push them towards alternative solutions, such as seeking platforms with less intrusive advertising methods.
As Instagram continues to test its unskippable ads, it remains to be seen whether user feedback will influence the final decision. One thing is clear: the balance between ad revenue and user experience is becoming increasingly delicate.
Source : Instagram testing feature that stops users from skipping ads (msn.com)
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