IS EXTENDING THEIR VIDEO ADVERTS THE RIGHT MOVE FOR INSTAGRAM?

Instagram extends video adverts from 30 to 60 seconds.

This week saw Instagram extend their video adverts from 30 to 60 seconds. While most people will comment that this change is proof of Instagram’s growth and evolution, others worry that it is one step too far.

Are our social media platforms being overrun with too many lengthy advertisements? Blumilk are inclined to agree with this statement. Our Marketing Manager Rebecca commented that, ‘with Facebook’s Instant Articles, Twitter’s Moments, Instagram Spotlight videos’ and Youtube’s mandatory adverts, every minute of our lives are becoming saturated with advertising. And, although this may seem controversial for a marketer to say, I believe that there is a balance to be had and by increasing the videos to 60 seconds may be placing advertising above the everyday Instagram user.’

Dan Calladine for the Drum believes that, ‘It’s likely that ‘Instagrammers’ will get used to the longer ads very quickly as it’s easy enough to scroll through ones that don’t interest them.’ Blumilk ask, should users have to scroll past things they don’t want to engage with? Should there be a hide option for certain strands of companies that the user might not be interested in?

The first two companies to make the most of this video change were Warner Brothers and T-Mobile. T Mobile used the launch to promote the upcoming Super Bowl and Warner Brothers released a 60 advert for their new film, ‘how to be single’.

With 400 million active users on Instagram and 2015 generating very similar engagement rates to Facebook and Twitter promotions, you can see why Instagram made the decision, but Blumilk want to hear from you! What are your first thoughts on the change and how long do you want your advertisements to be?

Tweet us @blumilk with your thoughts.