Instagram users beware... Instagram is adding adverts to the Explore feed. The Explore feed is where you discover new people and posts, and you'll soon be discovering new brands and products too. Whether you want to or not.
Instagram originally added ads in 2013. Since then, Instagram has added more ads to more areas of the app. So much so that you're probably don't notice them any more. The Explore feed has always been free of ads, but that is now changing.
Instagram Introduces Ads to the Explore Feed
In a post on the Instagram Business Blog, Instagram explains that "over the next few months, we'll be introducing ads in Explore feed." This is because "more than 50% of accounts on Instagram use Explore every month" and "80% of people follow a business."
The good news is you're not going to be bombarded by ads as soon as you open the Explore feed. Instead, you'll start seeing ads after you've tapped on a photo or video. This should keep the Explore grid free of annoying ads, at least for the time being.
Instagram explains that, "We’re introducing ads in Explore slowly and thoughtfully in the coming months. After tapping on a photo or video in Explore, people may begin to see ads as part of their browsing experience just like in the main feed."
As if predicting that this move will annoy some people, Instagram has linked to the page on the Instagram Help Center labelled "What can I do if I see an ad I don't like?" This basically involves hiding ads, reporting ads, or adjusting your ad preferences.
Advertising Equals More Money for Zuckerberg
As annoying as this is for users, it makes sense for Instagram. Advertising equals money, and the Explore feed is a sensible place to display ads. Instagram knows it's become such an essential app for people that a few extra ads aren't going to put anyone off.
Even though Instagram boasts over 1 billion users, more people are discovering it all of the time. So, if you're new to the app, you should check out our beginner's guide to Instagram explaining, What is Instagram and how does it work?