The online world of advertising is "full on" the path of breaking down the barrier between advertiser and consumer by now offering advertising options such as "pick the ad you want to watch." This new tool is called a multi-video ad selector and allows users to pick the ad they are willing to watch in front of the video that users want to watch - the content.
As we are well aware of the crowd on the Internet pushes back with force if it doesn't like something. The Internet allows for full free expression and very quickly a reputation can be damaged and so those who deliver on the Web find ways to more gently persuade, coax and guide users to adoption. And it is no different in asking users to consume advertising.
Video also is the hottest medium on the Internet. Engagement rates at 5-7 times higher than any other form of advertising. This isn't new news - we all know why TV has been a mainstay in life - we all enjoy the passive exposure to moving picture and sound. Recall of content in this format is higher than any other. As a result video advertising is poised to grow at tremendous rates.
Other options for video ad selection come with the way ads can be inserted in creative ad units. One company, Pictela, purchased in December, 2010, by the AOL Ad Network, offers multiple videos inside of an ad unit that when clicked, play, letting users pick their ad experience about a product or service.
YouTube is offering ad selection as well in pre-roll and only charging the advertiser that is selected, and only when their ad is watched (not skipped).
Webshoz, has created the Videobar that also offers multiple video ad insertions into one creative ad unit but additionally offers roll-over play-in-place lowering the barrier even further for user engagement. Users can watch with a roll-over and not "feel counted" by the software. The same technology is used to place multiple advertiser video ads across publisher sites within the Videobar to generate more revenue, lift video plays, and give advertisers what they want - more user engagement.
Finally, video ad insertions are for all and coming in the near future is the option to insert a video ad in a network alongside others relevantly placed on publisher pages, at the top of search, in ecommerce websites, and directories. Then video advertising will rise to its true potential.
