Auto-play sound on ads

Hi Gerald,

It does seem like there is a local issue occurring with your device. To confirm this, please write back with the following:

- is this occurring on a specific ad campaign or across all ads on the site?
- approximately how long are the videos you are seeing without the option to close?
- approximately how long have you noticed this issue?
- is the issue still occurring if you visit the site using a private browser?
- what is the device and OS version you are using?
- what is the browser and update version you are using?

Thanks in advance for confirming.

- is this occurring on a specific ad campaign or across all ads on the site?
    the sound 'feature' occurred once, upon first use (opening) of IMDb yesterday
- approximately how long are the videos you are seeing without the option to close?
    I don't wait for them to end (I kill the browser and start over), but I'd say 30 sec.
- approximately how long have you noticed this issue?
    the excessive (in my opinion) advertising, at least a year - the sound, just since last
    week-end
- is the issue still occurring if you visit the site using a private browser?
    I believe I always use a 'private browser', if I understand the term - new tabs are
    always labelled 'Private Browsing'
- what is the device and OS version you are using?
    desktop computer running Windows 8.1 32 bit
- what is the browser and update version you are using?
    Firefox 72.0.2

Am I unbelievably stupid to hope this will make any difference?
My suggestion, from way back in my complaint history, is that you run your
(silent) ads in the margins, and let users ignore them that way. I know,
advertisers pay more for the pop-ups with bells and whistles. You (IMDb) need
to decide (if you haven't already) whether your income or your user base is
more important.

J<<

Hi Gerald,

I can confirm that we do not allow ads to play with sound unless they are interacted with. I suspect you may have accidentally clicked on the advertisement the occasion where you heard it play automatically with sound. Additionally, ads that are more than a few moments or expand will always have an 'X' button in the upper-right corner to collapse the ad.

In terms of the frequency of this type of ad, your choice of browser is sharply increasing the likelihood for them to appear. I would highly suggest using a different browser that permits cookies from our site, which will limit these ads. 

Our site is supported by ads, but your input is greatly appreciated and has been shared with the ads team for consideration in future campaigns.