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Instagram Offers Creators $500K to Boost Long Videos

Instagram is testing 'Features', a new format allowing creators to upload landscape videos up to 90 minutes long, currently available in Brazil and the US. To attract creators, Meta is reportedly offering selected individuals between $50,000 and $500,000 to publish content on the platform. The move aims to compete with YouTube's established monetization for long-form video. However, Instagram lacks a comparable revenue-sharing model for these videos, and creators typically earn less on Instagram than on YouTube. Past attempts like IGTV failed due to lack of sustained monetization. Analysts question whether upfront payments alone will drive long-term adoption, as creators need reliable income streams to commit to the platform.

• Instagram is testing 'Features', allowing videos up to 90 minutes long, in Brazil and the US.
• Meta offers selected creators between $50,000 and $500,000 to publish long-form videos on Features.
• Instagram's head Adam Mosseri previously opposed long-form video but now supports the new format.

Political Creators Juggle Platforms for Reach, Revenue, Rules

Political and news creators are increasingly relying on platforms to grow their audiences and monetize content, but no single platform offers reach, revenue, and clear rules simultaneously. YouTube remains the most reliable for monetization, sharing 55% of ad revenue, while Instagram offers massive reach but no direct payouts, as creator Aaron Parnas noted with 450 million monthly views yet zero earnings. Facebook is gaining traction due to reopened political content and advertising, according to creator Adam Mockler, who sees it as an 'underdog.' Reddit is emerging as a valuable platform for distributing content, though it is difficult to break into. Conversely, TikTok and X are struggling with unpredictable moderation and engagement, leading creators to prioritize subscription platforms like Substack, Patreon, and beehiiv for steady revenue. Experts from Syracuse University's Center for the Creator Economy and various creators highlight the need for a multi-platform strategy to balance reach, revenue, and adherence to platform rules.

• YouTube pays creators 55% of ad revenue and has paid out over $100 billion in four years.
• Creator Aaron Parnas earns no revenue from Instagram despite 450 million monthly views.
• Adam Mockler reports 120 million monthly views on Facebook and calls it an 'underdog'.

Instagram Rings Awards 2026: Haaland and Little Simz Among 25 Winners

Instagram announced the 25 winners of its 2026 Rings Awards on October 29. The list includes football star Erling Haaland, rapper Little Simz, and sneaker designer Salehe Bembury, alongside lesser-known creators in beauty, photography, comedy, and food. A star jury featuring A$AP Rocky, Donatella Versace, and Chloé Zhao selected the winners based on originality and creative independence, not follower counts, according to Instagram's VP of Fashion Partnerships Eva Chen. The award is a physical ring designed by Emily Adams Bode Aujla from green Connemara marble in the shape of a four-leaf clover. Winners also receive special Instagram features. However, the award has drawn criticism because creators cannot nominate themselves or others, the selection process lacks transparency, and there is no monetary prize. Meta has also cut several creator compensation programs.

• Instagram announced the 25 winners of the 2026 Rings Awards on October 29, 2026.
• Winners include Erling Haaland, Little Simz, and Salehe Bembury.
• The jury included A$AP Rocky, Donatella Versace, and Chloé Zhao.