Facebook tests live video stream advertising

Facebook is experimenting with short commercials on users’ live streams. This is a test with a limited group of users, where advertisements can be injected five minutes after the start of the stream.

Facebook has confirmed testing with live video ads to Adage. “We’re running a small test with a group of publishers who have the option to put a short ad break in their Facebook Live Videos,” the confirmation reads.

According to one of the participating publishers, the video ad may only be used five minutes after the start of the live stream. Facebook has always been reluctant to advertise at the beginning of videos because of its negative impact on the viewing experience. In addition, publishers are allowed to use ads with a maximum length of 15 seconds for Facebook Live Video.

According to publishers, they can specify which category of advertisers they want to use and disable ads on streams about sensitive topics. Facebook’s live streaming capability has been in the news several times in recent months due to dramatic events being broadcast, such as shootings. At the same time, the social network pays celebrities and publishers to start streaming live in order to generate more attention.