Meta tests series feature for Reels

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Meta is testing a series feature with select creators on Instagram and Facebook to make it easier for users to watch serialized content on either platform. Creators included in the test phase can include both new and old Reels in their series. The episodic content will then be visible in a new tab within their profile. Those who use the feature in TikTok will be familiar with how it works.

When a user stumbles upon an episode of the series in their feed or Reels tab, they will see an option to tap to view other episodes from the series. They can also save a series to watch later or to keep up to date with future episodes. Meta told TechCrunch it is considering ways to monetize the feature, but it hasn’t provided details on how that would be implemented.

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Facebook launches 'Friends' feed in Canada, ditching algorithm

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Facebook is rolling out a new "Friends" tab in Canada and the US, offering users a break from algorithmically curated content. The dedicated feed will exclusively display posts, stories, reels, and birthdays from your Facebook friends.

The move aims to recapture Facebook's original focus on connecting with friends, as stated in a company blog post: "the magic of friends has fallen away" amidst the platform's evolution.

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Meta ditches fact-checkers, embraces Community Notes

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a significant shift in the company's content moderation approach, emphasizing free speech and reducing censorship. This includes abandoning its fact-checking program and transitioning to a Community Notes model, similar to X (formerly Twitter), across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Zuckerberg argues that complex moderation systems often lead to unintended censorship, impacting millions of users. By empowering the community to assess and provide context for potentially misleading information through Community Notes, Meta aims to improve accuracy and reduce reliance on internal fact-checkers. While Community Notes have shown promise on other platforms, concerns remain about their effectiveness in preventing misinformation spread.

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EU privacy rules may force Meta to offer subscription options for its apps

Meta might charge European Instagram users US$14 (around CA$19) per month to avoid targeted ads. It could also offer a US$17 (~CA$23) monthly fee for ad-free Facebook and Instagram on desktop. Meta reportedly plans to force subscriptions on users who reject ad tracking, based on their personal data. This is in response to a court ruling that Facebook must get users’ consent to access their data.

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