Meta is testing a new “Series” feature for Reels designed to make it easier to follow serialized content on Instagram and Facebook, the company told TechCrunch.
Selected creators will now be able to create a series using their reels, new and old. Each Reel will become an episode in a larger story with a dedicated hub on its profile, mirroring an experience already available on TikTok.
The release of the new feature shows that Meta is embracing long-term viewing, rather than the fast-paced scrolling sessions that are typically the case with short-form videos. With curated series, the social media giant wants to bring audiences back again and again and create stronger viewing habits. For creators, the new feature offers a more organized way to release episodic videos like tutorials and challenges.
Meta told TechCrunch that it’s looking at ways to monetize the new feature, but didn’t share details about what that might look like.
It’s worth noting that Instagram rival TikTok launched a Series feature in 2023, allowing creators to post collections of high-quality content behind a paywall that viewers can buy to access. It’s possible that Meta could follow a similar playbook with its own series feature in the future.
Meta says it’s already seeing serialized content take off, so its latest beta is meant to make it easier to watch each episode. For example, if a creator is doing a “10 Days of Healthier Baking” series, they can group all 10 videos into one series. The series would appear in a new tab on the creator’s profile with its own page, so users could find all the episodes, watch them in order, and pick up where they left off.
When viewers discover episodes of a series while scrolling through their feed or the Reels tab, they’ll see the option to tap on the full series to watch more episodes. Users also have the option to save a series to watch later or stay updated.
For the testing phase, Meta is working with selected creators and content producers who have already shared serialized content on Instagram and Facebook.
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