Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a significant update for content creators in Nigeria and Ghana. Starting from July 1, 2024, eligible creators in these countries can start earning money from their video and reels content on Facebook. This development marks a significant step in empowering the vibrant creative industry in these regions and setting a high bar for global creativity.

Meta’s Announcement and Its Implications

In a statement signed by Moon Baz, Meta’s Global Partnerships Lead for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey (AMET), the company expressed its excitement about the expansion. Baz highlighted that this move would enable eligible creators in Nigeria and Ghana to monetize their content, further fueling the creative economy in these countries. This announcement comes just three months after Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, visited Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and promised that Nigerians would soon be able to monetize their Facebook content.

Previously, content creators in Africa often had to find alternative ways to monetize their pages, such as setting up their accounts through contacts in countries where Facebook monetization was available. This expansion simplifies the process, allowing more direct and legitimate pathways for African creators to earn revenue from their content.

Eligibility Criteria for Facebook Monetization

Meta has outlined specific criteria that content creators must meet to be eligible for monetization. Here are the key requirements:

General Requirements

1. Age Requirement: Creators must be at least 18 years old.
2. Location: Creators must reside in a country eligible for in-stream ads.
3. Follower Count: A minimum of 5,000 followers is required.
4. Video Views: Creators must have at least 60,000 total minutes viewed in the last 60 days. This does not include minutes viewed from crossposted, boosted, or paid watch time.
5. Active Videos: Pages must have at least five active videos. Certain types of videos, such as static videos, static image polls, slideshows of images, looping videos, and videos with embedded ads, are prohibited.

Live Video Requirements

1. Follower Count: A minimum of 10,000 followers is required.
2. Video Views: Creators must have at least 600,000 total minutes viewed in the last 60 days, with at least 60,000 minutes of these being from live videos.
3. Active Videos: Pages must have at least five active videos, including at least three previously live videos.

Additionally, content containing themes like death, sexual activity, strong language, explicit content, misinformation, and misleading medical information is not allowed.

The Rise of Content Creation in Africa

Over the past decade, content creation has become a significant career path for many young people in Africa. Social media has provided a platform for these creators to gain fame and fortune, often turning them into larger-than-life celebrities not just within their countries, but globally. This surge in content creation has also led to lucrative brand endorsements and opportunities in various entertainment industries.

Success Stories

One notable example is Nigerian content creator and comedian Emmanuel Ejekwu, popularly known as Oga Sabinus. He began his career by posting comic videos on Instagram and Facebook. Today, his brand has grown significantly, earning him a spot on stage with afrobeat superstar Burna Boy at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, one of the biggest music festivals in the world.

Similarly, Ghanaian creator Akwasi Boadi, also known as Akrobeto, gained widespread recognition after his comic videos of reading sports news went viral on YouTube and Instagram. His unique content has attracted attention from top football clubs and stars in Europe.

The Future of Content Creation in Africa

The introduction of Facebook monetization for creators in Nigeria and Ghana is poised to revolutionize the content creation landscape in these countries. With a more straightforward pathway to earning revenue, more young people will be encouraged to explore content creation as a viable career option. This move is expected to foster innovation, creativity, and economic growth within the creative industries of Nigeria and Ghana.

Moreover, as content creators continue to gain recognition and financial support, they will likely produce higher quality and more diverse content. This can lead to increased visibility and influence on the global stage, further solidifying Africa’s position as a hub for creative talent.

Meta’s decision to enable Facebook monetization for eligible creators in Nigeria and Ghana is a significant milestone for the creative industries in these countries. By meeting the outlined criteria, content creators can now leverage their talent to earn money directly from their video and reels content. This development is set to empower a new generation of creators, fostering creativity and economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana.

As social media continues to grow in importance, the opportunities for content creators will only expand. With the right support and infrastructure, the creative industries in Africa can reach new heights, providing a platform for young talents to shine and contribute to the global creative economy.