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Meta Tests Non-Skippable Ad Breaks in Instagram Feed: A New Era of Advertising


Instagram users may soon face a significant change in their browsing experience. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is testing a new type of non-skippable ad in the Instagram feed, aptly named “ad breaks.” This development marks a departure from the current format where users can easily scroll past ads.

The concept of “ad breaks” involves brief, non-skippable advertisements that users must watch before continuing to scroll through their feeds. Early reports and screenshots shared on platforms like Reddit and X indicate that these ad breaks last only a few seconds. However, it’s unclear if the duration will remain consistent or vary if Meta decides to roll out this feature permanently.

The introduction of ad breaks represents a significant shift in Instagram’s advertising strategy. Traditionally, non-skippable ads are more commonly associated with platforms like YouTube, where users expect to encounter them in the context of video content. Instagram’s move to integrate this format into its main feed, rather than restricting it to Reels or Stories, highlights a more aggressive approach to ad delivery.

A message within the Instagram app explains the new feature: “Ad breaks are a new way of seeing ads on Instagram. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing.” This straightforward notification prepares users for the upcoming change, emphasizing that the ad must be watched in its entirety before they can resume browsing.

The introduction of non-skippable ads has sparked a mix of reactions. Some users, like Dan Levy, have expressed their surprise and frustration on social media, describing the move as a “bonkers” decision. Such reactions underscore the potential user backlash Meta might face as it continues to test and refine this new advertising format.

While Meta has not provided detailed comments on the new ad breaks, a spokesperson confirmed the testing phase to TechCrunch. The company plans to monitor the results and gather feedback before making any formal product changes. This cautious approach indicates that Meta is keen to understand user reception and adjust accordingly.

In summary, Meta’s experiment with non-skippable ad breaks on Instagram could signal a transformative shift in social media advertising. As the company evaluates user feedback and engagement, the future of Instagram browsing may include a mandatory pause for advertisements, reshaping how users interact with the platform.

Meta Tests Non-Skippable Ad Breaks in Instagram Feed: A New Era of Advertising

Meta Tests Non-Skippable Ad Breaks in Instagram Feed: A New Era of Advertising

Instagram users may soon face a significant change in their browsing experience. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is testing a new type of non-skippable ad in the Instagram feed, aptly named “ad breaks.” This development marks a departure from the current format where users can easily scroll past ads.

The concept of “ad breaks” involves brief, non-skippable advertisements that users must watch before continuing to scroll through their feeds. Early reports and screenshots shared on platforms like Reddit and X indicate that these ad breaks last only a few seconds. However, it’s unclear if the duration will remain consistent or vary if Meta decides to roll out this feature permanently.

The introduction of ad breaks represents a significant shift in Instagram’s advertising strategy. Traditionally, non-skippable ads are more commonly associated with platforms like YouTube, where users expect to encounter them in the context of video content. Instagram’s move to integrate this format into its main feed, rather than restricting it to Reels or Stories, highlights a more aggressive approach to ad delivery.

A message within the Instagram app explains the new feature: “Ad breaks are a new way of seeing ads on Instagram. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing.” This straightforward notification prepares users for the upcoming change, emphasizing that the ad must be watched in its entirety before they can resume browsing.

The introduction of non-skippable ads has sparked a mix of reactions. Some users, like Dan Levy, have expressed their surprise and frustration on social media, describing the move as a “bonkers” decision. Such reactions underscore the potential user backlash Meta might face as it continues to test and refine this new advertising format.

While Meta has not provided detailed comments on the new ad breaks, a spokesperson confirmed the testing phase to TechCrunch. The company plans to monitor the results and gather feedback before making any formal product changes. This cautious approach indicates that Meta is keen to understand user reception and adjust accordingly.

In summary, Meta’s experiment with non-skippable ad breaks on Instagram could signal a transformative shift in social media advertising. As the company evaluates user feedback and engagement, the future of Instagram browsing may include a mandatory pause for advertisements, reshaping how users interact with the platform.