Meta Trials: Episodic Series for Instagram and Facebook

Meta has announced the launch of a new “Series” feature for Reels, designed to enhance user engagement with serialized content on Instagram and Facebook, according to TechCrunch.

Certain creators can now create series by utilizing both new and existing Reels. Each Reel acts as an episode within a broader storyline, organized in a specialized section of their profile, reminiscent of a feature available on TikTok.

The rollout of this feature reflects Meta’s move towards longer viewing experiences, pivoting away from the fast-paced scrolling common in short-form videos. By categorizing content into series, the platform aims to foster repeat engagement and develop stronger viewing habits. For creators, this feature provides a structured way to release episodic content, including tutorials and challenges.

TechCrunch has been informed by Meta that the company is looking into monetization opportunities for this new feature, though specific plans remain undisclosed.

Interestingly, TikTok introduced its own Series feature in 2023, enabling creators to gather collections of premium content behind a paywall for viewers to purchase access. Meta may consider implementing a similar model for its series functionality in the future.

Meta indicates that serialized content is becoming increasingly popular among users, driving the creation of this feature to make each episode easily accessible. For example, a creator with a “10 days of healthier baking” series could compile all ten videos into one series, readily available through a new tab on their profile. This dedicated page allows users to find all episodes, view them in order, and pick up where they last left off.

As users discover episodes within a series while browsing their feed or the Reels tab, they will have the option to explore the entire series for more episodes. They can also save a series for later or choose to receive notifications.

During the testing phase, Meta is partnering with select creators and content producers who have previously shared serialized content on Instagram and Facebook.