Facebook has finally begun to monetize its popular Messenger platform, with the first home screen ads appearing on the application for users around the world this week.
The new ad slots, which have been testing in countries like Thailand and Australia since the beginning of the year, are rolling out to users worldwide in beta, according to the announcement on the official Facebook blog.
“Today we’re pleased to announce the global beta expansion of Messenger ads,” the company said in a statement. “People already spend time on Messenger interacting and conducting commerce with businesses and brands they love, and now with Messenger ads, they have an opportunity to discover experiences directly on their home tab.”
Facebook has confirmed that just a “small percentage” of its worldwide user base will see ads on their Messenger home screens in the coming weeks, but they added that the ad network will be extended to additional users as it learns from its beta program.
Select advertisers can create their own Facebook Messenger ads starting today on the Facebook Ads platform, with a worldwide rollout expected in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on an ad-filled Messenger? Will this be the kick you need to give up the platform and look at alternatives like Telegram and Facebook-owned WhatsApp? Let us know on Twitter using @AppleMagazine, and check back for more social media news.
