Another slew of new features for Instagram and Facebook Reels

Meta has introduced a series of new features for both Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels. In a video released by Meta for Creators on Facebook on 16 August, it has introduced six new features for both the platforms. One of the new features it has brought on board include the "Add yours" Sticker, formerly rolled out on Instagram Stories last year. The sticker can be used on both Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels. Through the "Add Yours" sticker on Instagram stories, users can create or join a chain of responses to prompts and trends. With its rollout on both Instagram and Facebook Reels, users can now create chains of video responses to prompts.

Additionally, it is also introducing "Stars", a new revenue channel for content creators.

According to Meta, Stars is a virtual good that lets fans show creators love and gives creators the ability to show love back. In order for a content creator to be eligible to earn through "Stars", a creator must have at least 1,000 followers for a minimum of 60 consecutive days, and be located in one of the 23 eligible countries on its website, including Malaysia and Indonesia. 



Creators will also be able to share reels across the Meta family of apps. Instagram reels can be shared to Facebook accounts seamlessly, engage followers, and expand reach to new audiences on both Facebook and Instagram without having to switch apps, Meta said. 

It is also launching creator studio insights for Facebook Reels, where content creators can access data and insights on their Facebook Reels content. Some of the analytics creators can obtain include minutes viewed, people reached, plays, average watch time, likes, comments, and shares.  Facebook Reels can also be remixed, and users will be able to auto create Facebook Reels from previous stories and memories posted on Facebook. 

Instagram has been through a series of changes recently. In a bid to change its interface to appear more like TikTok, Instagram recently faced backlash from celebrities Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. Following the backlash, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri acknowledged that its shift to video is "not yet good". Additionally, it also backtracked on the product tests it previously rolled out, including full-screen photos and videos. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri also told tech publication The Platformer that it will also reduce the amount of recommended posts in the app while working to improve its algorithms.

Meanwhile, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed the topic of Reels in Meta's recent earnings call and explained that Reels is part of the trend that focuses on the growth of short-form video as a content format. Last quarter, Reels formed 20% of the time that people spend on Instagram.

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