Meta has launched a groundbreaking AI-powered translation tool for Facebook and Instagram content creators, designed to help them break through language barriers and expand their global reach. The feature, announced on Tuesday, automatically translates, dubs, and lip-syncs Reels into another language, making it appear as though the creator is speaking the translated version in their own voice.
AI Translation for Reels: How It Works
The new tool does more than translate words. According to Meta, the AI system also:
- Recreates the sound and tone of the creator’s voice.
- Lip-syncs the translated audio for a natural look.
- Enhances authenticity, making creators appear as though they are actually speaking the translated language.
Creators can preview, approve, or remove translations at any time and choose whether or not to enable lip-syncing.
Supported Languages and Eligibility
For now, the feature supports English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translations, with more languages expected in the near future.
Eligibility includes:
- Facebook creators with at least 1,000 followers.
- All public Instagram accounts.
On Facebook, creators simply select “Translate your voice with Meta AI” before publishing a Reel. Once enabled, audiences automatically view Reels in their preferred language, while creators gain access to insights showing how many views came from each translation.
Best Practices for AI Translation
Meta recommends the following to maximise translation accuracy:
- Record clear, face-to-camera videos.
- Avoid background noise and overlapping speech.
- Keep content concise for smoother dubbing and syncing.
Additional Features for Creators
Beyond AI translations, Meta also allows Facebook creators to:
- Upload up to 20 dubbed audio tracks per Reel.
- Expand their audience reach beyond English- and Spanish-speaking markets.
- Manage translations via the “Closed captions and translations” section in Meta Business Suite.
This feature supports translations before and after publishing, unlike the AI-powered dubbing tool.
Instagram Head Adam Mosseri highlighted the impact of the feature, saying:
“If we can help you reach audiences who speak other languages, we can help you grow your following and get more value out of Instagram and the platform.”
Impact on Nigerian Content Creators
This development comes as Nigerian creators became eligible for Facebook monetisation in July 2024. With access to In-Stream Ads on Facebook and Facebook Ads on Reels, creators can now earn money from original video content.
To qualify, creators must meet requirements such as:
- A minimum of 5,000 followers for in-stream ads.
- Meeting community standards and originality guidelines.
Why It Matters
With AI translations, Meta is helping creators overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, reach new international audiences, and monetise their content more effectively. This move positions Meta as a leader in leveraging AI for content accessibility and global creator growth.
