Uber users brought their complaints to Twitter about the ads in the app's push notifications. According to XDA, iOS users, in particular, complained of seeing ads from Peloton even when they are not engaging with the app.
Ads in Push Notifications Drew Widespread Criticism Among Users
Recently, Uber launched Journey Ads, as per TechCrunch. It's a new division of the company that deals with promotions and advertisements in line with the company's aim to reach 122 million users.
Now, reports have surfaced online that ads are now being sent from the Uber app through notifications.
It is unclear if Uber riders will continue receiving push ads on their phones in the future. According to a spokesperson for the company, the feature is temporary for now and they are just testing how the customers would react to the ads in the push notifications.
"This was a limited test and users can always manage their mobile notification settings under Privacy and then Notifications in the app," said Noah Edwardsen, an Uber spokesperson, as cited by Gizmodo.
Just a few weeks ago, Uber announced that it would be integrating a new advertising network in the app.
The company plans to show customers ads for other businesses in company emails, before and during your trip, in Uber Eats, and even on screens of tablets placed in the backseat. However, placing ads in push notifications is not been publicly addressed yet.
"Through our advertising division, we can help leading brands grow their relationships with consumers by connecting them at a moment when a customer is uniquely attentive," Mark Grether, general manager of Uber's new advertising division, said in a blog post.
There was widespread criticism of the recently unveiled plan of the company to monetize customers' attention. But what the users found most annoying is the ads in the push notifications that seem to be quite intrusive of their personal space.
Uber Launches Journey Ads
This month Uber launched a dedicated advertising division. As mentioned earlier, the new division is called Journey Ads.
Journey Ads is "an engaging way for brands to connect with consumers throughout the entire ride process," according to a blog post of the company.
With this new way of advertising, the in-app ads will feature a single brand throughout the entire trip. The user will be shown different ads of the featured brand at three points of a trip: while waiting for a ride, during the ride, and upon reaching the destination.
Based on the user's travel history and geographic destinations, brands can personalize ads. When it comes to push notification ads, it is unclear if Uber is using the same type of data as the one it is using for Journey Ads.
As most of the complaints came from iOS users, here's how you can turn off the notifications in case you don't like to receive Uber ads. However, upon turning off the ads, you will also stop receiving ride offers.
- Go into the app, and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Afterward, head to the Privacy area.
- Proceed to the Notifications menu.
- Locate the area that is checked for offers.
- Turn that off, and you will stop seeing ads in your notifications.
