Note: This is for a service mainly powered, or should I say funded, by video ads. Not really UX-friendly, I suppose, but what can we do
Here's the flow right now:
Sign in
Home -> Login form -> Video Ad* -> Use service
Sign up
Home -> Registration -> Video Ad* -> Account activation^ -> Use service
* Can be skipped
^ A code is sent to a mobile device, and has to be entered in the form. This can be skipped (via "Activate later" button or something.)
The service will be used mostly on mobile devices. Space will be tight (as there would also be an announcement portion in the home page), so the login/registration forms are in a separate page.
I am aware that the steps should be as short as possible, but can anyone recommend an acceptable amount of steps before a user can use the service? If ads couldn't be removed, is there really nothing I can do to improve the UX flow of the service?
Also, could anyone give some kind advice on how we can avoid confusion between the user and the overall flow?
Thank you in advance :)