President William Ruto has urged content creators to capitalize on the monetisation opportunities now available on Meta platforms. This announcement follows Meta’s recent rollout of monetisation features, aimed at empowering eligible creators in Kenya to earn money from their video content.
New Monetisation Opportunities on Meta
Starting today, Kenyan content creators can monetize their videos on Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The two primary monetisation features introduced are in-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels. These features enable creators to earn money by producing original videos and fostering community engagement.
Meta’s global partnerships lead in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, Moon Baz, highlighted the impact of this rollout. “Every day, we’re inspired by the incredible African creators who use Facebook to tell their stories, connect with others, and bring people together,” Baz said. “This expansion will empower eligible creators in the vibrant creative industry in Kenya to earn money while setting the bar high for creativity across the world and making Meta’s family of apps the one-stop shop for all creators.”
Support from the Kenyan Government
President Ruto emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating more opportunities for the youth to explore their talents. “Beginning today, Kenyan content creators can monetize their videos on Meta platforms. We urge our creatives to take advantage of this opportunity to not only enhance their incomes but also create job opportunities for others,” Ruto stated.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the creative industry, highlighting that these new monetisation features align with broader efforts to empower the youth and stimulate economic growth.
Eligibility and Compliance
To benefit from these monetisation features, content creators must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and remain compliant with Facebook’s Partner Monetisation Policies and Content Monetisation Policies. Creators must be at least 18 years old and meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum of 5,000 followers for in-stream ads.
Additionally, the monetisation features support over 30 languages globally, including Kiswahili, ensuring that a diverse range of creators can participate and benefit from these opportunities.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The journey towards this significant milestone began in March 2024, when Meta’s global affairs president Nick Clegg and President William Ruto announced that monetisation would be available by mid-2024. This promise has now come to fruition, marking a new era for content creators in Kenya.
The introduction of these monetisation features is expected to have a profound impact on the local creative industry. By enabling creators to earn money from their content, Meta is not only providing a financial incentive but also encouraging the production of high-quality, engaging videos. This, in turn, is likely to foster greater creativity and innovation within the industry.
Conclusion
The rollout of monetisation features on Meta platforms represents a significant opportunity for Kenyan content creators. With the support of the government and the global reach of Meta, creators now have the tools to turn their passion into a sustainable source of income. President Ruto’s call to action underscores the importance of embracing these opportunities and the potential for growth and development within the creative industry.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these highlight the critical role of technology in driving economic development and empowering individuals. For Kenyan content creators, the future looks promising, with new avenues for expression, income generation, and community building now firmly within reach.
