Selectable Media: Selector Screen Overhaul
From a click-delivery tool to a behavioral data engine.
From a click-delivery tool to a behavioral data engine.
From a click-delivery tool to a behavioral data engine.
Selectable Media let users unlock premium digital content by choosing and watching a brand video — a soft paywall deployed across Sports Illustrated, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents.com, and others.
Selectable Media let users unlock premium digital content by choosing and watching a brand video — a soft paywall deployed across Sports Illustrated, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents.com, and others.
Selectable Media let users unlock premium digital content by choosing and watching a brand video — a soft paywall deployed across Sports Illustrated, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents.com, and others.
The Problem
~47% of clicks went to the top video. Position bias was making the choice for users, corrupting the behavioral data the platform was built to collect.
~47% of clicks went to the top video. Position bias was making the choice for users, corrupting the behavioral data the platform was built to collect.
~47% of clicks went to the top video. Position bias was making the choice for users, corrupting the behavioral data the platform was built to collect.
The Insight
Rotating advertiser position was a workaround, not a solution. The layout itself was the problem — a stacked list with small thumbnails creates a natural reading pattern, and the first item wins by default.
Rotating advertiser position was a workaround, not a solution. The layout itself was the problem — a stacked list with small thumbnails creates a natural reading pattern, and the first item wins by default.
Rotating advertiser position was a workaround, not a solution. The layout itself was the problem — a stacked list with small thumbnails creates a natural reading pattern, and the first item wins by default.
The Solution
A three-column grid replaced the stacked list. Equal size, equal weight, equal chance. Large thumbnails (300×300) with advertiser name, video duration, and a short description — turning a reflexive tap into a considered choice.
A three-column grid replaced the stacked list. Equal size, equal weight, equal chance. Large thumbnails (300×300) with advertiser name, video duration, and a short description — turning a reflexive tap into a considered choice.
A three-column grid replaced the stacked list. Equal size, equal weight, equal chance. Large thumbnails (300×300) with advertiser name, video duration, and a short description — turning a reflexive tap into a considered choice.
The larger thumbnail unlocked a new concept: advertisers could treat the impression as a free creative placement, visible to every user regardless of whether their video was clicked.
The larger thumbnail unlocked a new concept: advertisers could treat the impression as a free creative placement, visible to every user regardless of whether their video was clicked.
The larger thumbnail unlocked a new concept: advertisers could treat the impression as a free creative placement, visible to every user regardless of whether their video was clicked.
Taken further: A takeover - all three slots sold to one advertiser. 100% share of voice, premium pricing, complete ownership of the moment.
Taken further: A takeover - all three slots sold to one advertiser. 100% share of voice, premium pricing, complete ownership of the moment.
Taken further: A takeover - all three slots sold to one advertiser. 100% share of voice, premium pricing, complete ownership of the moment.
The Outcome
47% → ~33% top-video click share
More even distribution enabled accurate behavioral profiling for the first time
Increased advertiser adoption through guaranteed impression-level exposure
New premium inventory via the Selector Takeover
Selectable Media was acquired by Meredith Corporation for $40M in 2015.
47% → ~33% top-video click share
More even distribution enabled accurate behavioral profiling for the first time
Increased advertiser adoption through guaranteed impression-level exposure
New premium inventory via the Selector Takeover
Selectable Media was acquired by Meredith Corporation for $40M in 2015.
47% → ~33% top-video click share
More even distribution enabled accurate behavioral profiling for the first time
Increased advertiser adoption through guaranteed impression-level exposure
New premium inventory via the Selector Takeover
Selectable Media was acquired by Meredith Corporation for $40M in 2015.