Facebook to debut auto-play video ads in 2013
Full-motion clips for both desktop and mobile apps
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Facebook users have a new form of advertising to look forward to in 2013, when the social network will begin inserting full-motion video ads into their news feeds.
According to a report by Ad Age, Zuck & Co are so hell-bent on pulling in big bucks from TV admen that they plan to debut the dubious new feature no later than April of next year, though sources say they haven't yet figured out all the details.
Typical TV ads run about 30 seconds, but Facebook is reportedly considering capping the length of its video ads at 15 seconds.
In a move that's certain to anger many users, however, sources say the company definitely plans to have the video component of the ads start playing automatically, and possibly the audio, as well.
Smartphone users with bandwidth-capped data service are likely to be particularly annoyed by this, given that Facebook plans to roll out the video ads to both the browser-based version of its service and its mobile apps. In fact, sources say Zuck's sales team has gone out of their way to demo the ads on mobiles and tablets in their meetings with ad agencies.
It's not immediately clear how Facebook plans to allow advertisers to target their video ads, including whether the ads will only be shown to a company's fans or to the mass Facebook audience at large. The company declined to respond to El Reg's requests for clarification.
Facebook reportedly will place some limits on the number of video ads users will see, however. Each advertiser will only be able to show the same ad to a single user a maximum of three times per day, though it's not known whether there will be a cap on the total number of videos a user will be forced to watch.
What also hasn't been disclosed is how much Facebook plans to charge for the new ad spots. It's safe to say they won't be cheap. Video advertising on the web is typically more expensive than other forms, and few sites offer as great a value proposition to advertisers than Facebook, with an audience to rival TV networks.
"The assumption is that these would be widespread campaigns," one advertising executive told Ad Age. "They are looking to grab big chunks of money ... millions of dollars." ®
COMMENTS
Feeling guilty? Bah!
I must admit, I feel a bit guilty at the level of ad blocking I employ as i know sites need money. I drop it every now and again to see if things have improved, but it has only got worse...
Feeling guilty? Don't. You don't owe the advertisers jack shit. Just because they pissed away a buttload of cash to have their crap shoved in your face doesn't mean you're obliged to look at it. C'mon, man, El Reg is paid whether your browser loads the ads or not.
I've had "shields at full intensity" for nigh on ten years. I see practically no advertising at this or any other site, and I don't feel the least bit guilty about it. Screw 'em. Asshats.
It's the same approach that I take towards TV, without guilt or apology. I tape the show and fast-forward through the ads; when watching live TV I mute the volume when the ads come on and use that time to grab a sandwich and a beer and take a quick piss.
First one I see will be the last one I see. Already annoyed with all the sponsored crap in my news feed but at least that's easy to scroll past. The last thing FB needs is another reason not to use FB.
Re: Angry Birds does it
Autoplay anything is a dealbreaker for me. I hate that shit.
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