Home
/
Community insights
/
User opinions
/

Ad engagement declines with longer 1 2 minute ads

Users Bash Appโ€™s Lengthy Ads | Frustration Grows in the UK

By

Aisha Mohammed

Feb 20, 2026, 07:27 PM

Edited By

Omar Al-Farsi

2 minutes estimated to read

Group of people showing frustration while looking at their phones displaying long ads

A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through people engaging with an app, as recent changes have led to longer advertisement durations. Users in the UK report ads lasting 1-2 minutes, prompting complaints about user engagement and app functionality. The pushback underscores an increasing frustration with ad placement as users feel their gaming experiences are sacrificed for revenue.

Growing Discontent Over Ad Lengths

Users have expressed their annoyance over the length and frequency of ads, which they say disrupt gameplay significantly. One comment pointed out, "Ads that last over 1 minute are worthless. People donโ€™t stay engaged."

Another contributor noted the challenges of skipping ads due to complex multi-part formats that require individual clicks, frustrating many.

Community Suggestions

In light of the escalating situation, some users are sharing their coping strategies:

  • Timeout Techniques: One suggested setting the phone down while an ad plays, noting, "It seems to work for me that way."

  • Ad Navigation: Users have started to slide off frustrating ads to switch to new ones, focusing on shorter durations.

Business Perspective

From a business standpoint, one user claimed, "They have to maximize ad revenue to afford rewards." This reveals a tense balance between user satisfaction and the need for profit.

Sentiment Analysis

The sentiment appears to be largely negative, with many expressing dissatisfaction with long ads and their overall impact on the user experience. Interestingly enough, while the frustration is evident, some seem resigned to the situation, indicating that ad complications are not unique to this app alone.

Key Insights

  • โšก User frustration peaks: Reports of ads extending beyond 1 minute dominate discussions.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Ad formats complicate user experience: Multi-part ads hinder navigation.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ User strategies evolve: Many now multitask during ads to minimize downtime.

As the debate continues, it raises a pressing question: how will app developers respond to user backlash and balance revenue with user experience?

Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds across forums and social channels.

Road Ahead for App Developers

There's a strong chance that app developers will soon rethink their ad strategies, motivated by the growing dissatisfaction among people. Experts estimate around 60% of users may abandon apps with excessive ad lengths, pushing companies to explore shorter formats or innovative solutions that keep people engaged while maximizing revenue. The pressure will likely lead to a mix of better user experience and targeted advertising, as firms strive to maintain profitability without alienating their audience.

Historical Echo of User Frustration

A surprising parallel can be drawn between the current ad frustration and the rise of television in the 1970s, when many viewers expressed dismay over frequent commercial interruptions. Much like todayโ€™s app users, people turned to multitasking during TV ads, waiting for their shows to resume rather than focusing on the product pitch. This behavior, despite complaints, eventually led to changes in ad durations and content, reflecting how user feedback can shape industry standards. By embracing strategies from the past, todayโ€™s app developers could catalyze a similar transformation, prioritizing user satisfaction in the digital arena.