Meta is continuing to push Reels, as the company looks to tap into the popularity of short-form videos. Meta has announced details of new Reels ad options which should offer influencers, brands, and marketers further opportunities to monetize their content.
Previously, Reels ads were exclusively available on Facebook, but will now be made available to Instagram users. It’s somewhat surprising that it has taken this long, given Instagram’s popularity among influencers, affiliate marketers, and content creators. However, with time spent on Instagram growing by 24% since Reels was launched, Meta will undoubtedly be eager to continue pushing the format.
Brands and influencers running single-image ads between Reels on Facebook will now be able to use an AI-powered music optimization tool to add music from the Meta Sound Collection library to their adverts. While single-image ads may seem dated when compared to the video ads modern consumers have become so accustomed to, adding music and sound clips should work to boost engagement rates.
Furthermore, Meta is testing an inventory filter designed to optimize ad placement and ensure brand suitability. An AI-powered review system will allow influencers and marketers to ensure their ads are displayed alongside suitable content.
Reels ads will now be able to display app download ads, which allow users to install apps directly from links placed in advertisements. This demonstrates Meta’s willingness to expand the format and invite a broader scope of brands and businesses to market their products and services through Reels.
The news comes after Meta announced details of new Facebook creator tools last week, a clear indication that the company is vying to compete with TikTok and stake a claim as the top digital destination for brands and influencers.
What do these new Reels ad options mean for influencers and affiliate marketers?
First and foremost, they will create opportunities for further monetization and will likely see a proliferation of smaller creators and micro-influencers including ads in their content. This is important for affiliate program managers to note and could represent a wider shift away from major influencers and towards smaller, more niche creators.
Additionally, the new music optimization tool and inventory filter clearly demonstrate how influential AI technology has become. AI already drives the algorithms that make short-form video platforms so engaging, and we’re now seeing it used to power creative tools that marketers and influencers can use to craft more impactful content and boost performance.
