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The popular platform Imgur is among the titans of visual content, from funny GIFs to posts containing random facts and even to the most obscure of memes. However, its founders decided it was time to go one step forward. After so many years of no audio content, the platform will soon allow videos, since we sometimes need to hear sounds to enjoy GIFs better.
Imgur used to contain exclusively visual content
Imgur has been the perfect platform you could browse stealthily. Since it only contained visual elements and no audio, you could swipe among the posts anywhere. This way, you didn’t risk stumbling upon a video that would blast sound in an inappropriate moment. However, this could also count as a disadvantage.
Some GIFs display images that will definitely be better with sound. In this case, what users could do was search the source video for the respective GIF and enjoy the complete experience. On top of that, a platform that supports video is a lot more appealing for advertisers. Imgur knew all that and decided to take measures.
The new strategy is beneficial not only for users, but also for advertisers
Therefore, the platform has just announced the start of its video support. Whenever you want to experience a GIF properly, you’ll be able to watch it together with its original sound. Fortunately, the change won’t be unpleasant, as all videos will be gathered in a channel called Imgur Unmuted.
The move was quite necessary for Imgur given its current context. In 2009, the platform became popular as gathering all kinds of both fun and strange visual content. In five years, it rapidly gathered 130 visitors per month but also started a $40 million collaboration for a Series A. At this point, incorporating ads was more than necessary. However, the platform tried to be as non-intrusive as possible and keep its initial spirit.
This helped Imgur acquire a better economical situation. The finances have only gone up, but the introduction of video content will definitely put them in a secure place. As mentioned above, this addition isn’t only great for users, as it will also improve the ad strategy on the platform.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
