Instagram has officially rolled out its first online advertisement after revealing its plans last month. While some users accepted the change openly, others criticized the move.
Instagram, the popular photo and video sharing site, remained in news since speculations of including ads in its service broke out. Just last month, the Facebook-owned website confirmed that it will feed users with "enjoyable and creative" ads from select brands.
The company officially rolled out its first online ad by fashion brand Michael Kors, Friday.
The first ad on Instagram's photo feed is of a watch from Michael Kors' Timeless collection. The ad will be displayed on all users' pages, even if they do not follow the brand. However, users can choose to hide the advertisements they don't want to see. They will have to give a valid reason for doing so though, similar to the activity on Facebook.
Instagram revealed plans of monetizing its business last month, promising that the ads will be "occasional" and will deliver only "a small number of beautiful, high-quality photos and videos from a handful of brands that are already great members of the Instagram community."
The photo-sharing service is trying not to annoy its users with the ads. It instead wants to give them a feel of browsing through their usual photo album of high-definition, colorful and attractive images. The company's first ad is a good example.
However, several users have disregarded the company's motive. Some have strongly commented on the photo ad and some did not hesitate to use foul language.
"@michaelkors die and rot in hell advertiser, [because] you advertise on Instagram I will never give you business," user alexanderlatham wrote.
"Looks like we've got another Facebook," wrote another user deemary14.
The introduction of ads played well in favour of the website though. The photo ad got more than 200k favorites and some users came to defend the company's move, arguing that a free service was harmless.
Further user reaction depends solely on more ads that Instagram will soon roll out.
Other early advertisers include Adidas, Ben & Jerry's, Burberry, General Electric, Levi's, Lexus, Macy's, PayPal, and Starwood, according to CNET.
