Some of the best services on the internet like a social network, e-mail and other chat services that seem to be free are not entirely so. Owned by for-profit companies, the services need to make money and the best way to do that is through advertising, the more ads the higher the profits. Now, Facebook is testing out Messenger ads in the interface of the mobile service.
Facebook has announced that it has launched a very limited test for its upcoming Messenger ads for select users in Australia and Thailand. The new feature allows companies to buy the ad place and advertise their service directly on the home screen of Messenger users. This is similar to the already prominent ads found in the news feed of users of the main social network platform.
The new Messenger ads will include image thumbnails which will also be joined by text, the amount depends on the advertiser, as well as a link for people interested in the advertised product or service. Facebook has stated that those taking part in the small test will see the ads appearing below their most recent conversations.
The link included with the Messenger ads will direct the users to take various actions, from clicking to learn more about the company and its product, or just signing up for a service, and more. The same method is also currently in use on the Facebook pages of business, which directs users to shop on their page or just start a chat.
Users who are able to test out the new Messenger ads have reported that they a lot of space and thus requiring you to scroll past the large ads in order to reach your relevant features and content. Facebook has stated that these ads will not appear during any of your conversations unless users actually decide to click on the respective ad and start a chat with the company in question.
Facebook has emphasized the excitement in business circles regarding the new ad feature. However, users are more frustrated than anything else, at least in its current form. Depending on the level of interaction between users and businesses, Facebook may very well redesign the entire feature.
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