There will probably come a time when Facebook runs out of space and your smiling profile photo would earn an advertising tag. This prospect is not too farfetched, as the social media network has been finding more and more ways to integrate ads into its network.
This is demonstrated by its latest announcement involving the addition of sponsored content on the Messenger app.
Ads On The Messenger
Facebook now wants to put advertisements on the Messenger home panel, via a slider screen that is more prominent than any of the app's native elements. It contains images that will dwarf your contacts or the new message notification.
If you are engaged in a conversation with a friend, it will also hound the interface like some specter nagging you for attention.
Some sources believe that this new strategy is aimed at offsetting Facebook's recent decision to reduce the ad load that surfaces in the News Feed.
Consumer-Business Engagement
Facebook is phrasing the move as a wonderful new way of connecting its users to businesses. Specifically, it is touting the platform for consumers to discover new experiences. There is also the claim that the ads will serve as an opportunity for businesses and consumers to message each other.
The company is building this narrative by saying how over a billion messages are being sent between users and businesses each month. Facebook failed to provide details about this figure such as how usage could involve the way the Messenger platform is used to lodge a complaint or access customer support.
Pure Facebook Ad
The Sponsored Content, on the other hand, seems purely a promotional tool, designed to peddle products and services. Facebook seems to acknowledge this, pointing out that the interaction is a way to surface products and services both to current and potential customers.
"Businesses have long been telling us that they are very excited about the potential of the Messenger platform to reach their customers and help them to drive sales, build brand awareness and increase customer satisfaction," Facebook said.
The company is also testing mid-roll ad format, which inserts advertisement within published videos.
User Control
If you are thinking about workarounds, don't hold your breath. Facebook has already demonstrated a capability to stop ad-blockers from working, for example.
Fortunately, there are two features to this new advertising scheme that could at least console users if implemented. First, there is the ability to hide the advertisement via a dedicated dropdown menu. Secondly, a company will not be able to message a user. This functionality is only applicable if such user initiated the conversation.
The new advertising scheme is currently being tested in Thailand and Australia involving a select number of unfortunate users. According to Facebook, they aim to learn more insights from the test. Hopefully, it will also not contribute to the way Messenger drains your device's battery.
There is no word concerning an official global rollout schedule, but the company stated that it wants to take its time evaluating and fine-tuning the product so that the final output will deliver the best experience both to users and businesses alike.
