Facebook Bringing Adverts to Messenger Inboxes?

Adverts to Messenger

Facebook is rolling out an update. This time it’s on the Messenger app. However, it’s not what it seems. Adverts are coming to your inbox. Of course, this means they will be tailoring ads specific to your interests. They achieve this by assessing the groups and pages you visit to establish an image of your personality.

Coming Soon!

Rolling out over the next month, Facebook is going to be updating the Messenger app globally. It has already been implemented in some parts of the world, with positive results. However, it is certain to get mixed opinions from many users. Companies and businesses will take full advantage of this feature, whereas the public may find them obtrusive and invasive. After all, they are going to be in your personal inbox. Of course, there are going to be limitations on the intensity of the adverts. This means that the more active users with lots of message threads will get more. Although there are going to be other key factors such as screen size, pixel density, phone model etc that will influence the size and type of ads shown.

Design

Messenger’s current “carousel” layout

The new layout has half the screen covered by ads

Currently, the messenger app is arranged in a carousel layout, which means that users can scroll down and swipe across to access messages or threads. This will be changed once again with the update now showing the adverts across half of the screen. The adverts can be clicked and you will be taken to an internal link within the app. Facebook will then allow you to purchase items on the spot with its in-app payment system. What’s more is that you will be able to message the advertising company direct.

Facebook uses an artificial intelligence tracker system, known as M to track keywords and trends of each individual. Of course, this then means that every advert will conveniently be related to something you have discussed recently. This helps advertisers to in turn create more focused and specific adverts.

What now?

Expect to see the changes rollout on your device soon. Unfortunately, it isn’t an option that can be switched off, but you can choose to hide certain adverts. It’s certainly a controversial move made by the Social Media giants. However, with 1.7 billion Facebook users and 1.2 billion of those using Messenger, could it really have an effect on the experience as a whole?