The Effects of In-Stream Video Advertising on Ad Information Encoding: A Neurophysiological Study

Although in-stream video advertising is common, its effects on advertisement (ad) information encoding remain unclear. We investigated the effects of in-stream video advertising by comparing two groups: those watching mid-roll (between the program) ads and those watching pre- and post-roll (before and after the program, respectively) ads. To elucidate how advertising content is encoded in the context of in-stream video advertising, we integrated two theoretical frameworks: the negative emotion–memory model (NEMM) and the limited capacity model of motivated–mediated message processing (LC4MP). We used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess negative emotions and bottom-up attention during advertisement viewing. The findings indicate that the first mid-roll ad induced negative emotions, but these feelings were attenuated during subsequent mid-rolls. In addition, negative emotions induced by mid-roll ads attenuated the role of bottom-up attention in the information encoding process. However, the pre- and post-roll ads were not accompanied by negative emotions; thus, bottom-up attention played a major role in the information encoding of these ads. The results also suggest that despite the negative emotions experienced during mid-rolls, such transient negative reactions did not affect purchase intention for the advertised products.