New Facebook Video Ads

Facebook announced today that they will start testing the use of video ads in users’ newsfeeds this week:

These video ads, which will start showing up on a few newsfeeds tomorrow, will play automatically, though without sound, even on mobile devices. Writer Edwin Kee in his article for Ubergizmo explains more fully:

“The ads will be played automatically on select news feeds, although it will be a silent ad unless you actually click on them, and sound playback will be activated. As for ads on mobile devices, those will have been downloaded ahead of time whenever said device in question was hooked up to a local Wi-Fi network.”

Though many users will undoubtedly be annoyed by this change, it was a wise move on the part of Facebook to have the ads be downloaded through Wi-Fi for mobile users. One can only imagine the anger of Facebook users if automatic video ads began using up data plans. Interestingly, however, in the article Facebook posted in their News Room this morning announcing the upcoming test, they are clearly attempting to present the changes as being beneficial to the users. Personally, I will find it very annoying that the video will automatically start playing, whether I want it to or not. However, Facebook tells it by saying:

“Rather than having to click or tap to play, videos will begin to play as they appear onscreen.”

Apparently the automatic playing is so that we won’t have to go to the enormous effort of clicking or tapping. How thoughtful of you, Facebook. Additionally, they write:

“This approach will continue to improve the quality of ads that you see in News Feed.”

Now I don’t know about you, but I hate ads. Why would I want their quality improved? Clearly, Facebook is trying to convince us that its grab for more personal money is actually for our benefit. You can read the full article below:

Testing a New Way to Watch Promoted Videos in News Feed

Since September, we’ve been testing a way to make videos more engaging on Facebook, and as a result we’ve seen views, likes, shares and comments increase more than 10 percent. …

While this new form of advertising will definitely be an annoyance, chances are few will leave Facebook over it. The following article discusses why:

Facebook to Introduce Video Newsfeed Ads on Thursday to Mobile and Web

Another day, another fetid Facebook money grab. In a move that is sure to annoy a majority of users, Facebook announced today that it intends to display 15-second video ads in newsfeeds. Beginning Thursday, the advertisements will play automatically when a user views them on either the Web or smartphones, albeit without audio unless clicked or tapped. …

At this point, Facebook has become a part of everyday life and communication for many individuals. No matter how much they annoy us, I think it will take something much bigger to cause a mass exodus from Facebook.

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