Facebook shifts its focus this week to virtual reality. The platform sees it as the next stage of social connection. It’s a more engaging and immersive way to collaborate and play. To fuel growth, the platform added monetization tools for gaming creators. Today, Facebook explores headset VR ads.
Remember Oculus Quest? It is Facebook’s virtual reality app. Last February, it launched “Hey Facebook”, a hands-free audio experience using voice commands. It has also been using VR headsets for gaming linked to Facebook accounts. Recently, Facebook has been exploring headset VR ads. Today, the platform introduces a live experiment with a small group of gaming creators. Headset VR ads will allow them to showcase their VR applications. The live test begins with Blaston from Resolution Games. Users will be able to interact with these mock ads using their VR headsets. The ads will roll out to more developers in the coming weeks.
Facebook explores headset VR ads as of 16 June 2021.
Implications for Marketers:
Facebook headset VR ads may not be a big deal for marketers today. But brands should also not ignore such updates. VR sales have jumped in recent months. Besides, these types of ads cost less as Facebook gets their share from the VR ads usage instead of a subscription fee.
