Meta has announced Facebook Reels is now available for iOS and Android users in more than 150 countries around the world, including New Zealand.
Reels are short-form videos similar to TikTok clips which have been part of the company's Instagram platform since 2020 and will also give creators access to new tools and better ways to earn money, the company said.
Will Easton, managing director for Australia and New Zealand at Meta, said that video is key to engaging audiences and short-form video in particular is growing quickly in popularity.
"By launching Reels on Facebook, we're meeting people where they are already sharing and connecting, and giving them even more options for how to express themselves," Easton said.
"For businesses, the introduction of Reels is another innovative tool available on Facebook for them to engage more people in an immersive experience online."
According to Meta, nearly half of the time spent by people on Facebook and Instagram is watching videos, and Reels is the fastest growing format.
The company said it is focused on the videos as a way for creators to be discovered, connect with their audience and earn money.
That will include ad revenue share, with overlay ads being tested in the US, Canada and Mexico in the coming weeks. There will be a semi-transparent banner ad option at the bottom of a Reel and static sticker ads that can be placed anywhere.
Meta expects to expand the monetisation options to creators in "nearly all countries were in-stream ads are available" by mid-March.
"The expansion of Reels to Facebook will make it easier than ever for Kiwi creators to tap into trends, utilise new creative features and better connect with their audiences, and in doing so, more successfully help creators monetise their work," Easton said.
Users will be able to choose to record a clip (or a series of clips) in real-time, or upload pre-recorded videos to create Reels.
They can then be edited and trimmed with effects, stickers and text able to be applied, with each Reel able to be up to 60 seconds long.
Meta is also exploring ways to make it easier for creators to share Reels to both their Facebook and Instagram audiences, such as crossposting, it said.
