Instagram officially launched their first video ads yesterday. Instagram first announced the introduction of ads in the platform almost a year ago. This is a new chapter for Instagram, though, as advertisers will now be able to run 15-second video ads in users' feeds. Instagram will start with advertisements from Disney, Activision, Lancome, Banana Republic, and the CW network.

I think video ads are a step into the future for social advertising, but I'm hoping to see a deeper integration with traditional "advertising" strategy and the permission-based, customer journey strategy that connects with audiences on a deeper level. So far, it doesn't look like that synergy has been found as ad agencies look to adopt these new social advertising mediums.

For more of my thoughts on the news and to see the first Instagram video ads from Disney, Activision, and Banana Republic, you can read my full post on the Salesforce Marketing Cloud Blog.