Facebook has launched an ad production offering that enables marketers to choose from a library of millions of still images to create their own video ads.
Called Slideshow, the service “reduces the need for video production time and resources,” according to the social network, which is aiming the facility at small-to-medium sized businesses in developing markets.
Companies can choose from a library of Shutterstock images to make their own “lightweight” video ads. Since the ads are made up of a series of stills, the smaller file size means that advertisers can reach more people regardless of their device or connection speed, and using less data mean a 15-second slide show ad can be around five times smaller in file size than a video of the same length, the company explained.
Slideshow “helps advertisers tell brand stories in emerging and high-growth countries plus can be used by small businesses who do not have the resources to create videos,” Facebook explained in a press release.
The company is using Coca-Cola as an example of how the platform has worked in Africa, with a campaign to raise awareness of the new season of the show Coke Studio Africa.
