Developers are always hoping for more customers, but forcing users to watch video install ads on their smartphone may not be the best option, based on social media commentary.
The social networking giant Facebook made some big moves in its offering to advertisers with a decision to have video ads run on autoplay for the mobile version of its site and apps. It also allowed third parties to target Amazon Fire users with its ads.
Although you could argue the moves could benefit them, the general consensus from developers and designers on Twitter was on the negative side.
Facebook Brings Autoplay Video Ads to Mobile - Advertising Age http://t.co/tEXZXlXpB2 That's exactly what I want when I open FB on my phone.
— John Morton (@johnmorton) December 4, 2014
Some even suggested autoplay ads could be wasting an important resource.
Facebook will start autoplaying video ads on mobile: http://t.co/PcEzaxB6Bx Excellent use of our limited mobile bandwidth. #deathtobullshit
— Brad Frost (@brad_frost) December 2, 2014
Of course, sophisticated users in the mobile app space have their own workarounds.
Hope Facebook won't force play video ads when I turned auto play off. http://t.co/3ep23ABg9E
— Ouriel Ohayon (@OurielOhayon) December 2, 2014
The bottom line for many was that this could be perceived as something that puts revenue before the most important mobile app consideration for developers and advertisers alike.
Nice for Advertisers / Horrible for users #torn Facebook Brings Autoplay Video to Mobile App-Install Ads http://t.co/e7dIfjf0Np
— Hanin Williams (@HaninWilliams) December 4, 2014