Meta tests ‘Series’ for episodic Reels on Instagram and Facebook

Meta is rolling out a new feature called 'Series' aimed at improving the viewing experience for serialized content on Instagram and Facebook. In an announcement to TechCrunch, the company revealed that select creators will now have the ability to compile their Reels—both new and existing—into a cohesive series. Each Reel will function as an episode within a broader story, complete with a dedicated hub on the creator’s profile, emulating a feature that has already gained traction on TikTok. This initiative signifies Meta's shift towards promoting longer engagement with content, rather than the typical quick scroll through short-form videos. By offering organized series, the social media platform hopes to encourage viewers to return frequently and develop stronger viewing habits. For creators, this feature provides a structured method for releasing episodic content such as tutorials and challenges. While Meta has indicated that it is exploring monetization options for this new feature, details remain vague. Interestingly, TikTok launched a similar Series feature in 2023, allowing creators to offer premium content behind a paywall. It’s plausible that Meta could adopt a comparable approach in the future, given its focus on serialized content. Currently, Meta has observed an uptick in serialized content engagement, leading to the development of this innovative feature. For instance, a creator producing a series titled “10 Days of Healthier Baking” can group all ten videos into one series. This series will be accessible through a new tab on the creator’s profile, allowing viewers to find all episodes, watch them sequentially, and easily resume from where they left off. When users come across episodes while browsing their feeds or the Reels tab, they will have the option to delve into the complete series to explore additional episodes. Furthermore, viewers can save a series for later viewing or keep themselves updated with new content. During this testing phase, Meta is collaborating with a select group of creators and content producers who have previously shared serialized content on its platforms.