Facebook began inserting advertisements directly into users’ news feeds today.
Currently if a Facebook user clicks the ‘like’ button on a brand’s page on the site, the social network can use the image and name of that person in an advert endorsing the same company.
These new ads are marked as “Featured,” which could be confusing given that Facebook has always used the word “Sponsored” for its ads.
Credit: Screenshot by Inside Facebook
For the above ad to appear in your News Feed, two things need to happen. First, you must have already Liked Ben & Jerry’s Facebook Page, or one of your friends must have interacted with Ben & Jerry’s Page. Second, Ben & Jerry must have chosen to have the ad promoted to users who have Liked its Page.
About Featured Stories from Facebook Help Center
Businesses can pay to feature a post so there’s a better chance you’ll notice it.
A quick example of how it works
1. Say you like your gym’s Facebook Page.
2. Some friends see the story in their news feeds, others may miss it.
3. The owner of the gym can pay to feature the story so your friends are more likely to see it.
Who can see featured stories
You decide who can see what you share on Facebook. When a story is featured, it’s shown to the same people you originally shared it with.
Featured stories you may see
* When a Page you like posts something new
* When a friend likes something (such as a Facebook Page or individual Page post)
* When a friend checks in somewhere, plays a game or uses an app
