Facebook testing ads in Messenger app

Facebook is tapping Messenger for ad opportunities as it has announced that it is now testing ads that will appear inside the company’s dedicated messaging app.

According to Facebook Product Manager Eddie Zhang, the company is launching a very small test in Australia and Thailand this week for ads that will appear on Messenger. The ads will not appear inside chats but on the home screen below your recent conversations.

Zhang adds that the few people who are in the test are in complete control of their Messenger experience and can choose to hide/report specific ads using the dropdown menu in their Messenger. Advertisers will still not be able to message users directly unless a person starts the interaction and people will not see a message from a business that they didn’t initiate.

“We believe this new test for the very small group of people in Thailand and Australia reflects a lightweight, relevant and useful approach to helping people and businesses connect on Messenger.”

Zhang says that they will take their time before considering further expansion.

source: Messenger Blog