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It seems like the gate has been opened for bringing targeted ads directly to Facebook Messenger
Ads could soon be sent directly to Facebook Messenger if you voluntarily initiated a message thread with any given company. The buzz has been sparked by one document which the team at TechCrunch has obtained.
It seems like the gate has been opened for bringing targeted ads directly to Facebook Messenger. Companies are now encouraged to lure you into conversations via the chat app. As this is considered a voluntary message thread, targeted aps may soon follow. According to TechCrunch the document states:
“businesses get consumers to start message threads with them now so they’ll be able to send them ads when the feature launches”.
The feature may be launched as soon as the second quarter of 2016. In addition to the fact that ads could soon be sent directly to Facebook Messenger, another feature has already quietly made its way to the social media website. Facebook launched a short URL which can effectively replace customer service given a certain company or business has a Facebook page.
The URL is found in the form: fb.com/msg/company. Accessing the short URL for fb.com/msg/facebook for instance will open an instant message threat with Facebook. While this newly launched feature may prove useful under certain circumstances, it may also count as voluntary message thread with any company. Thus, it’s time to brace yourself for an increasing number of targeted ads coming your way.
Facebook Messenger is quickly moving from being a messaging service to a platform enriched with all sorts of features. A virtual assistant may be accessed at all times via Messenger. Playing a game of chess has never been more at hand. Ordering an Uber taxi directly from Facebook Messenger has also become a piece of cake. Targeted ads integrated in the chat app are just the cherry on top.
Counting over 800 million active users per month, Facebook Messenger hasn’t been directly monetized until now. In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg stated that in his personal opinion ads aren’t the right means to monetize chat apps. The declaration came just as Facebook was acquiring Whatsapp.
As ads could soon be sent directly to Facebook Messenger, the shift in attitude could seem peculiar. Nonetheless, Facebook has been taking many steps in allowing businesses to interact with users at an increased rate.
Monetizing the chat app may prove annoying to users. However, limiting the sending of targeted ads to voluntary message threads may go a long way in countering the potential negative effects of introducing the new feature.
Photo Credits: Flickr
