Many of our clients frequently ask us about the possibilities for monetising their social video content. Whilst there have previously been restrictions in place preventing rights holders from share sponsored content on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg’s company announced changes to its ad policies on Friday (8th April), allowing content publishers to monetise their content.

Verified Facebook Pages can now share branded content on Facebook, including videos. Branded content is any output that specifically mentions or features a third-party product, brand or sponsor.

This is a fantastic update for rights holders who have significant assets available for video content but are unable to maximise the revenue opportunities when publishing this content to Facebook. Now, fans will be given access to a greater range of high-quality content as organisations and influencers collaborate on output. Whereas publishers running branded content on Facebook required approval directly from the social platform, the latest policy updates only require the sponsor behind the content to be ‘tagged’ within the text, image or video.

There are still some limitations in place when it comes to branded content, such as persistent watermarks and pre-rolls ads being forbidden, as are sponsored profile pictures and cover photos.

Commenting on the update, Clare Rubin, Product Manager and Nick Grudin, Vice President of Partnerships at Facebook said:

“This update is something that media companies, public figures, influencers, and marketers have been asking for, as branded content is a growing and evolving part of the media landscape.

“People will now be connected to more of the content they care most about on Facebook as publishers and influencers gain an incentive to share more quality content — of all kinds — with their fans. We know that many of our partners have existing partnership deals with marketers, and this update gives them the ability to extend their branded content business onto Facebook.”

To speak with Team Grabyo about how we can help you monetise your social video content in line with Facebook’s most recent policy update, click here.

For a full list of what is, and is not, allowed in Facebook’s updated ad policy, click here.