Instagram has revealed that reel creators in additional regions can now receive gifts through a specific button on their videos.
This feature offers an alternative income source for creators, as they can get sticker-like gifts that come in different purchase values. In the coming weeks, this feature will be accessible in many more areas.
Eligible creators will see a “Send Gift” overlay on their Reels.
This allows viewers to send monetary gifts to creators. Payments for these gifts are made using Stars, Meta’s in-app currency. Currently, the value of gifts can be as high as $5.99 each.
“Gifts on Instagram allow you to show appreciation to eligible Reels creators by sending virtual gifts,” the statement read.
“When you buy stars to send gifts to creators, those creators may earn money if they have agreed to Instagram’s Gifts Terms of Service.”
“Viewers can purchase stars and use them to send you gifts on Instagram. Instagram will then provide you with a revenue share from your reels that received gifts on a monthly basis equal to $.01 USD for every star received from fans.”
Meanwhile, the platform is addressing user concerns about the platform’s impersonal feel, attributed to its algorithm-driven feed.
The social media giant is experimenting with a feature allowing users to share feed posts exclusively with their ‘Close Friends’ group.
Recently, several users, including ICYMI newsletter’s Lia Haberman, noticed this new functionality. While Instagram’s parent company, Meta, verified the feature’s testing in select countries, they didn’t disclose which ones.
A Meta representative stated, “We’re always exploring new ways for our community to express themselves and connect on Instagram.”
If this feature becomes mainstream, it might reduce the trend of users creating separate “finsta” accounts for more personal sharing.
