Meta's Series Feature for Reels on Instagram & Facebook Explained: How it Will Help Create Episodic Content

Meta is trialling a new “Series” feature for Reels on Instagram and Facebook, aimed at episodic viewing. Select creators can group several Reels into one continuous storyline, similar to a show. Viewers will be able to watch connected episodes together instead of jumping between scattered uploads on a creator’s profile.

The test comes as short videos dominate both platforms, especially in India, where Reels already drive heavy engagement. Meta now appears to be nudging audiences towards more deliberate, repeat viewing. The company reportedly hopes that structured series will change how people follow creators across Instagram and Facebook.

Series Feature for Reels on Instagram and Facebook Explained

Meta has acknowledged that it is exploring ways to earn revenue from the Series feature, though details remain unclear. The company has not confirmed whether viewers will eventually pay for access. However, Meta is studying how people already follow serialised content, even without a dedicated Series section on creator profiles.

The new tool will let creators build a Series made up of multiple Reels, old or new. These episodes will sit on a separate Series page on the creator’s profile. If viewers see one episode in their feed, they will get a direct option to open and watch the full Series.

For example, a creator running a “10 days of healthier baking” project could gather all ten clips into one Series. Viewers would not need to scroll endlessly through older Reels. Instead, they could open the Series section and watch each instalment in order, making the content feel like a connected set.

Link with TikTok and Mini-Dramas

The move mirrors a similar TikTok feature, introduced in 2023, which lets creators sell premium Series content behind a paywall. Meta may study that approach as it finalises its own plan. TikTok’s format has also encouraged paid mini-dramas, which brought in about $1.3 billion in the US last year.

Reports suggest Meta expects the Series option to boost such mini-dramas and other story-led formats on Instagram and Facebook. With episodes grouped together, audiences are less likely to miss parts. This structure could help creators maintain narrative arcs, whether they are making educational explainers, recipes, fitness plans or scripted stories.

Past Experiments by Meta

The current test is not Meta’s first effort at organised, themed collections. Instagram rolled out Guides in 2020, allowing creators to assemble topical lists around issues like travel, wellness or product tips. Earlier, in 2019, Instagram added a Series option for IGTV that grouped longer videos into dedicated collections.

Meta is starting the Reels Series experiment with creators who already post episodic videos on Instagram or Facebook. At the Scaleable Summit last month, Instagram vice-president of product Tessa Lyons said the platform aimed to become “a unique part of creators” long-form strategy in addition to their short-form strategy. Instagram also released an Instagram for TV app late last year.

Reels have grown into a major element of both Instagram and Facebook over recent years, reflecting users’ preference for quick clips. By testing Series with a limited group, Meta can watch how people react before any wider rollout. Viewer habits and creator feedback will likely guide whether the feature expands or changes.