Instagram Testing Unskippable ‘Ad Breaks’ for Videos

Image via Reddit

Meta has been testing unskippable ads on Instagram for select users, with these advertisements hitting videos and being classified as “Ad break”.

The company confirmed to TechCrunch they are indeed testing this ad format. “We’re always testing formats that can drive value for advertisers,” said a Meta spokesperson. “As we test and learn, we will provide updates should this test result in any formal product changes.”

Many Instagram users on social media and Reddit have shared screenshots of this “Ad break”, which cannot be skipped and counts down until the ad disappears. The forced ad looks to mimic YouTube, which no longer has unskippable ads on videos (you can download the Brave browser though as it still works).

For those addicted to Instagram and dopamine hits, it’s clear Meta’s testing is to see how willing people are to endure ads to see videos.

What will you do if Instagram ever brings forth unskippable ad breaks? Quit the app, or just take it?