Instagram Updates: Reels Bonus Payouts Paused, Meta Verified, and Broadcast Channels

We’re back at it with another round of Instagram updates! If you’re in need of a quick refresher on the latest changes to the platform, here’s what’s new in March 2023:

Reels Bonus Payouts Paused

Along with their shift to a more balanced ratio of photos and videos, Instagram has decided to scale back on Bonus payouts to their Reels creators. 

Bonus payouts were initially implemented to reward creators for hitting certain milestones in Reels content or for producing videos that resonated with their audiences. Meta announced earlier this month that they would temporarily halt these Bonuses in order to invest more in building features that would improve the overall experience for Reels users.

This doesn’t mean that creators will lose monetization entirely; they’ll still be able to make money through Instagram’s revenue-sharing program and gifts given directly from users.

However, from a social media management perspective, we anticipate that creators are going to diverge from creating Reels-heavy content and pivot back towards photos and carousels again. As someone using content marketing, you should also diversify your strategy and create content in the layout that best suits the message.

Meta Verified Officially Launches In The US

Earlier this year, the platform began testing for their subscription-based service in New Zealand and Australia and now they’ve officially launched it in the US as well. This service would give users a blue badge after they verify their accounts with a government ID and costs $11.99/month on the web or $14.99/month on iOS and Android. Meta Verified would help users establish authenticity, maintain account security, get better support, and gain access to exclusive features.

While the jury’s out on whether or not everyday users will actually subscribe, as a business owner, this could be a worthwhile investment. Meta Verified would give your business account increased authority and security. It offers your followers psychological reassurance that your account is legit and also gives you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, your support ticket will be placed at the top of the priority list.

Instagram Launches Broadcast Channels

Broadcast Channels are a one-to-many messaging system that allow Instagram creators to communicate directly with fans and followers. This one-way function gives creators the ability to share text, photos, voice notes, and videos that subscribed followers can read and react to. Think stories but shorter, snappier, and more exclusive. 

Of all the latest updates, this is the one that we’re most excited about because broadcast channels promise a more intimate way to share sneak-peaks, exclusive launches, and foster a stronger sense of community.

Which of these Instagram updates are you most excited for? Share with us in the comments below!