While it’s not unusual for ads to appear on a television, Samsung is kicking the concept up a notch — and igniting some ire in the process.
The South Korean electronics maker is reportedly adding more ads to its smart TV menu bar in an effort to make up the losses from sagging TV sales — and in the process threatening to alienate the people who actually do buy their sets. The program, currently being tested in the U.S., is expected to roll out soon across Europe.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung is trying to sell the interactive ad units to ad agencies promoting the placements as a way “to deliver relevant brands and content to consumers.” The ads appear next to apps, like Netflix or Hulu, and are interactive when clicked on. For example, Walt Disney Co. bought one last year and made an quiz matching people to a character from their movie “The Good Dinosaur.”
Older Samsung smart TV users aren’t safe either since it’s developing a software update that will retroactively install the technology.
Some people — notably and unsurprisingly Reddit users — aren’t happy with the news and are threatening to trade in their Samsung TVs for rivals. “If they are going to start that shit, well I have a Chromecast that will be more than happy to not give me ads,” one user said.
Another person noted: “They’re trying to make it where a person can’t escape ads.” Perhaps the rise of the television adblocker might not be too distant in the future.
More in Marketing
Meta’s Threads expected to have ads this year
The move would make Threads Meta’s latest bit of ad real estate venue just over a year after its launch.
Mobile esports reaches new heights in 2024 with a boost from Saudi Arabian investment
Mobile esports activity has been picking up gradually since 2021, but 2024 could be one of the most lucrative years yet for the esports teams and players participating in popular mobile games such as “PUBG Mobile” and “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” (MLBB).
Q1 ad rundown: there’s cautious optimism amid impending changes
The outlook for the rest of the year is a tale of two realities.