YouTube announced a significant shift in its advertising strategy, aiming to reshape the streaming Ad experience for viewers and advertisers alike. The changes, described by the company as an effort to create a more seamless viewing experience on large screens, include both positive and negative aspects for users.
Fewer Interruptions
YouTube users who enjoy streaming content on Smart TVs will soon experience fewer disruptions in their video playback. The company is taking steps to reduce the frequency of promotional interruptions during videos. This means viewers can expect a smoother and less disruptive viewing experience.
Also Read: How to watch high quality videos on YouTube
Longer Ads
However, there is a downside to this update. The advertisements that do appear will be significantly longer than what users are currently accustomed to. This shift aligns with Google’s research, which suggests that nearly 80% of viewers prefer longer ad breaks instead of shorter, scattered interruptions throughout a video. YouTube aims to test longer and less frequent ad breaks to cater to this preference.
Announced today, rolling out in November — Simplified ad controls:
🎛️ Turn ads on or off (you get pre/post —skippable/non-skippable decided by the system)
🎞️ If ads are on, you can also turn midrolls on (no changes to midrolls, except…)
🤖 Midrolls can still be manual or…— YouTube Liaison (@YouTubeLiaison) September 6, 2023
A Television-Inspired Advertising Model
The new advertising model is reminiscent of traditional television advertising, where viewers encounter promotional messages that cannot be skipped within each program or show. This approach represents a departure from the shorter, skippable ads that have become prevalent on the platform.
More Visibility for Viewers
YouTube is also focusing on providing viewers with more information about the duration of ad breaks. The company has noted that viewers prefer knowing the total time remaining during a commercial break rather than just the number of ads to expect. As a result, the platform will display a clear countdown to the end of the commercial break, allowing viewers to anticipate when they can return to their content.
Also Read: Uninterrupted Enjoyment: How to Watch YouTube Without Ads
Changes in Ad Formats
Additionally, YouTube has informed content creators about upcoming changes to ad formats that appear before or after videos. In November, the platform plans to remove individual options for pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, and non-skippable ads. Instead, YouTube will automatically select the most appropriate ad format for viewers, making it the standard practice for all creators. These changes are expected to optimize revenue for content creators while not affecting choices regarding mid-roll ads.
YouTube’s latest advertising update aims to create a more seamless and television-like viewing experience for users, with longer ad breaks and fewer interruptions. These changes reflect the platform’s continuous efforts to balance the interests of viewers and advertisers while enhancing the overall streaming experience.
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