It’s been a long time coming. Facebook Gaming is finally letting its creators monetize their VODs (video on demand). Up until this point, Facebook Gaming has focused on delivering monetization to its livestreamers. Now, pre-recorded videos can be another source of income for Facebook creators.
“We want to build the best platform for millions of creators to make a living,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post. “That includes game streamers and gaming creators, and today we’re starting to test some new tools to help them.”
How does monetization on recorded Facebook videos work?
This is the first content monetization tool on Facebook that isn’t related to livestreaming. While it’s still in its early stages, the tool will help many creators make a higher profit on the platform. The feature expands the Stars system, which serves as the platform’s tipping currency. Users can buy Stars and tip streamers during livestreams. Now, Facebook is planning to allow viewers to tip creators on VODs.
Facebook is currently testing the feature with a small group of creators. Essentially, Facebook is seeing how the feature will translate from livestreams to recorded videos. Livestream star gifters can write a personal message when sending the Stars during streams—similar to how donations work on Twitch. Typically, streams would respond to the messages or questions sent to them. Facebook will add a new tool that allows creators to respond to the messages they receive through Stars donations on their VODs. Additionally, creators can set Star donation goals. The goal will display above their VODs, letting their views know how close they are to the goal.
More monetization for livestreamers
Aside from adding monetization on recorded videos, Facebook is also adding a new livestream mid-roll ad feature: Live Breaks. Live Breaks last either 30 seconds, 90 seconds or 150 seconds depending on what the streamer chooses. Streamers will have complete control over when Live Breaks plays and can choose to include creator-generated or viewer-generated content. This includes highlights and clips, though it should be noted that standard mid-roll advertisements will play as well. Live Breaks are only open to partnered streamers, but we could see the feature release soon. Facebook is currently testing the feature with a small number of creators.
Facebook has been slow to release monetization for creators while trying to compete with platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Adding more monetization options for creators will make it a more viable option for creators. Facebook Gaming still has a long way to go, but adding a monetization option for recorded videos is a good step in the right direction.