Facebook on Wednesday launched Reels, the short-form video feature originally released on Instagram, for iOS and Android users in the U.S.
Reels on Facebook offers music, audio and video effects to make short-form content more accessible on the legacy platform. You can find Facebook Reels in the News Feed or through the Groups tab.
Facebook is also expanding Reels to reach audiences outside of immediate friend groups, allowing people to discover Reels based on their interests. Creators can also share their Reels in Groups to better express themselves.
In addition, Facebook is enhancing its cross-platform capabilities by testing the ability to share Reels from Instagram to Facebook.
The new feature comes as part of Facebook’s commitment to invest over $1 billion USD in content creators through 2022. This includes a new bonus program to help creators earn money based on the number of people who view their Reels. Initially, the Reels Play bonus will be invitation-only and will be available on both Facebook and Instagram.
“We’re focused on developing a suite of creator monetization options and will explore additional opportunities for them to earn money for their Reels,” the company wrote in a blog post. “On Facebook, we will test sticker ads and banner ads in Reels and explore integrating with Stars.”
In other news, Facebook is spending $50 million USD to “responsibly” build out the metaverse.
