Instagram is currently testing unskippable ads, a move that mirrors the YouTube experience for non-paying users. This development is crucial for the e-commerce community as it could significantly alter user engagement and ad performance on one of the most popular social media platforms.
The introduction of unskippable ads is particularly important because Instagram has become a vital tool for e-commerce businesses to reach their target audience. The platform's ability to drive sales through visual content makes it indispensable in digital marketing strategies. However, this new advertising format could impact user experience, potentially leading to ad fatigue and reduced platform engagement.
The sentiment around this change is mixed. Industry professionals express concerns that it might backfire, especially during times like election seasons when users are already overwhelmed by advertisements. Others see it as a bold, albeit risky, move that could increase revenue for advertisers if executed correctly.
E-commerce businesses and marketers should closely monitor the outcome of Instagram's tests on unskippable ads. It's essential to stay informed about changes in user engagement and ad performance metrics. Depending on these results, brands might need to adjust their advertising strategies on Instagram to maintain effective customer reach and conversion rates.
Shopify provides a number of tools to support merchants advertising and selling on social media. The two that come to mind for me are Shopify Audiences and Shop Cash Campaigns.
Shopify Audiences helps merchants find high-intent buyers by using Shopify’s machine learning algorithms. This tool can be particularly useful in targeting the right customers on Instagram, ensuring that even unskippable ads are shown to a relevant and interested audience.
Shop Cash Campaigns is a rewards program that allows merchants to offer exclusive incentives to new customers on the Shop app. It's exciting because most Plus merchants already have the option to push these campaigns through Meta channels as well as within the Shop App. Merchants can multiply the value of customers' Shop Cash rewards, driving acquisitions through targeted offers. It's a pay-per-sale model where merchants only pay when a new customer makes a purchase.
I believe leveraging these Shopify tools will unlock huge value for businesses online and stay agile in this fast changing space.
