Back in the day when ad blockers were more or less confined to the desktop, it was an issue for publishers and websites that relied on ads, but now that ad blockers have made their way onto mobile in a more mainstream way, it is understandable that publishers are getting worried and it looks like Facebook is no exception.In its annual 10-K filing, Facebook does not specifically mention any ad blockers by name, but based on the way they have phrased it, it certainly sounds like they are talking about it. The filing reads, “Technologies have been developed, and will likely continue to be developed, that can block the display of our ads, particularly advertising displayed on personal computers. We generate substantially all of our revenue from advertising, including revenue resulting from the display of ads on personal computers.”
As Facebook states, a bulk of their revenue is generated through ads. In fact according to recent Facebook statistics, it was revealed that 80% of their advertising revenue actually comes from mobile, so it is understandable that Facebook is worried. The company also goes on to state that future financials could be harmed if nothing is done about it.
“As a result, these technologies have had an adverse effect on our financial results and, if such technologies continue to proliferate, in particular with respect to mobile platforms, our future financial results may be harmed.” So far what some companies have done is pay ad blockers to be whitelisted so that their ads are displayed.
Others have turned to pop-up messages splashed across the website, pleading to visitors to disable ad blockers as it is their source of income, but what do you guys think? Where do you stand on the debate as to whether or not using ad blockers is OK?
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