The content creators in Nigeria are thrilled by the recent developments on Facebook. Unlike in the past, when monetizing videos on the platform required having a page manager in an eligible country, Nigerian creators can now independently leverage Facebook’s monetization tools to generate income. This change has spurred renewed interest among talented Nigerians, who now see a tangible pathway to financial betterment through their creative endeavors. However, not many content creators in Nigeria are fully aware of the various Facebook monetization tools available to them.
Three Key Facebook Monetization Tools for Nigerian Content Creators
- In-Stream Ads
In-stream ads are a popular method for creators to earn revenue from their video content. These ads are short commercials that Facebook places within viral videos posted by creators, similar to how ads are streamed into YouTube videos. The revenue generated from these advertisements is shared with the creators. However, to qualify for in-stream ads, creators must meet specific criteria:
- Followers: A minimum of 5,000 followers is required.
- Watch Time: At least 60,000 watch minutes in the past 60 days.
- Policy Compliance: Adherence to Facebook’s monetization policies is mandatory.
According to Meta, “Creators can use in-stream ads to earn money from their live and on-demand videos. The ads can play before, during, or after your videos.”
- Live Ads
Live ads are in-stream ads specifically designed for live videos. This tool allows Facebook creators to monetize their live broadcasts by placing ads during their live streams. It’s an effective way for creators to earn money while engaging with their audience in real time. Facebook states, “In-stream ads for Live help creators earn money on their live streams. During your live stream, you can use ads as a way to monetize your broadcast.”
- Ads on Reels
Reels are short, engaging videos that have become immensely popular on Facebook. Another monetization method available to Nigerian creators is allowing ads to play on their reels. These ads integrate seamlessly into the reels, and creators get paid based on the performance of their reels. According to Facebook, “Ads on Facebook Reels integrate seamlessly into your reels, and you’ll get paid based on the performance of your reels while entertaining your fans. Ads on Facebook Reels offer you a sustainable way to earn money from your reels with no extra effort. Focus on creating great reels and get paid based on performance.”
Expert Advice for Nigerian Content Creators
Speaking to Legit.ng, media personality Fidelis Ozuawala, owner of Waptutors (a website that teaches online skills), emphasized the importance of creating original content. He advised:
“The best way for Nigerians to position themselves now that Facebook monetization is available is to focus on posting only original content or at least videos with one or two inputs from yourself or your face to ensure eligibility without breaking any copyright rules. By keeping your content free from hate speeches, bad words, and gory content, you will avoid having your monetization stripped. Focus on viral trending content—this is the new oil. If your opinions resonate with a larger audience or are informative, you’ll get more shares, and more shares equal more income for you.”
Meta’s Announcement and Future Prospects
Meta has officially announced that Facebook monetization is now available in Nigeria, with creators being able to start using these tools to earn money from July 1, 2024. This information was contained in a mail exclusively sent to Legit.ng, indicating the significant step forward for Nigerian content creators. The same monetization tools introduced in Nigeria are also available to Ghanaian content creators, expanding the reach and impact of Facebook’s monetization strategies in West Africa.
Conclusion
The introduction of Facebook monetization tools in Nigeria marks a significant milestone for content creators in the region. By utilizing in-stream ads, live ads, and ads on reels, Nigerian creators now have various avenues to earn income from their content. As the landscape of digital content creation continues to evolve, staying informed about these tools and adhering to platform guidelines will be crucial for creators looking to maximize their earnings and reach on Facebook.
