Give Streamer a hint (countdown) before a mid-roll ad will start
So mid-roll ads are going to happen, if we like it or not
How about telling the creator before they happen so that they still have time to do an ad break on their terms?
What if 10min before a mid-roll ad would take place the ad button in the stream manager turns red and displays a 10min countdown. The creator will have 10min to do an ad break on his/her terms - if he/she does, no (additional) mid-roll ad; if he/she doesn’t, play the mid-roll ad after the countdown is over
That way you get what you want which is people watching ads, while creators still get some sort of control over it

5 comments
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nofreaknway commented
Develop a tool to alert streamers when an ad is about to roll and a way to delay it for a limited amount of time, so they have a chance to segue their viewers into it without interrupting the flow of their stream. Ads can work if you take an approach that allows content creators to properly incorporate it into their stream. An approach like this will undoubtedly gain higher viewer engagement in actually watching the ads if the streamer has the agency to invite viewers to watch the ads that help support the platform and the stream.
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Hochgeistig commented
Yes, let the streamer play ads to reset the timer. Simple as that.
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KisakaToriama commented
Display a counter in the bottom right corner, something like "An Ad will play in X:XX. Play it now?" To give viewers the option to play it when they see fit, or at the end of the countdown! That way, it gives power to the viewer.
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BitMissing commented
Place a notification in mod only chat with a timer asking the streamer to run ads before automatically assigning midrolls.
I had a few of my regular chat members get adverts, always when something interesting was happening. My mods had to clip the stream and send it to them so they didn't miss out. If I knew midrolls were about to run, I'd be able to take a planned break and explain to the chat what was happening. -
ScopedPixels commented
- For small streamers trying to build an audience, the typical viewer has 0 patience to sit thru a 10-30 secnd ad. wait 30-1min in. Give the streamer a chance to show the viewer what they're about
- Give the viewer a countdown an ad is Incoming (i.e "Ad will play in x seconds"). Lesson the shock and rage factor.
- The PIP mute creator, play loud ad does not work. How about an audio option whether they can choose between creator or ad. Or do what sport networks do, compress creator window 85 percent, and use the available space to play ads muted underneath. If the viewer decides to check it out a separate browser window pops up.