Experts predicted it and users expected it: Snapchat has commenced advertisements within its popular service.
The company announced the introduction of ads in its blog last week, with the change being made to increase revenue.
Snapchat claim that its aim is to devise adverts that won’t intrude on the users’ experience of the messaging platform. The company added that commercial messages will not be attached to Chats or Snaps and, at this time, there is no plan to allow targeted advertising campaigns. Snapchat explained:
“We want to see if we can deliver an experience that’s fun and informative, the way ads used to be, before they got creepy and targeted.”
The ads will be shown in the application’s ‘Recent Updates’ area, and Snapchat explained that the user will be given the option to view an advertisement or not. The messages will vanish after viewing, but if the user chooses not to look at it then it will disappear after a day.
Social media platforms are constantly on the lookout for ways to market to their subscribers. However, this is fettered by the need to ensure that they fit in with the platform’s service. Facebook sells ad space in its news feed and also has provision for ads within the sidebar. Conversely, Twitter provides the option to buy sponsored tweets.
The main focus for social media advertising is in targeted and tailored messages to subscribers, based on their interests. It is claimed that Snapchat’s ads will not be targeted and will be limited to one every so often, which might allow the firm to sell advertising space for a premium rate.
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