Meta opens monetization doors for Nigerian, Ghanaian creators

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In a move set to boost the creator economy in West Africa, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has launched new monetization features for content creators in Nigeria and Ghana. Announced on July 1, 2024, this initiative allows eligible creators to profit from their Facebook video and Reels content.

“Available from today, eligible Creators in Nigeria and Ghana will be able to earn money for their video and reels content, with support in over 30 languages globally,” the company said in a statement released on Monday.

The new features, In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, provide creators with avenues to generate income directly through their content. In-stream ads encompass pre-, mid-, and post-roll video advertisements, offering a familiar format for viewers. Facebook Ads on Reels integrates seamlessly within creators’ original Reels content, allowing them to earn based on their Reels’ performance.

“Types of In-stream Ads include Pre-roll Ads (which play before a video starts,), Mid-roll Ads (which play during videos), Image Ads (static image ads that display beneath the content) and Post-roll Ads (ads which appear at the end of videos),” the company explained.

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This development signifies Meta’s recognition of the vibrant creative landscape in Nigeria and Ghana. Moon Baz, Meta’s global partnerships lead for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey, highlighted the company’s inspiration from African creators who leverage Facebook to share stories and build communities. The hope is that this expansion empowers creators and elevates the quality of content across the platform.

To participate, creators must meet specific criteria. They need to be at least 18 years old, comply with Facebook’s monetization policies, and have a minimum follower base (5,000 for in-stream ads). This ensures content quality and safeguards the platform’s advertising ecosystem.

The impact of this rollout could be significant. By enabling creators to monetize their content, Meta can incentivize them to produce high-quality, engaging content for Facebook. This, in turn, could attract a wider audience and further solidify Facebook’s position as a leading social media platform in the region.

However, questions remain. The long-term viability of this program hinges on factors like ad revenue sharing rates and transparency in content selection for ad placements. Additionally, Meta must ensure fair compensation for creators and prevent exploitation.

Overall, Meta’s expansion of monetization options presents exciting possibilities for Nigerian and Ghanaian content creators. By fostering a platform where creativity is rewarded, this move has the potential to nurture a thriving content ecosystem in West Africa. However, close monitoring of the program’s execution is necessary to ensure it empowers creators and benefits the wider social media landscape.

Tags: Meta, West Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, Technology, Social Media