Since launching the Facebook Journalism Project earlier this year, Facebook is making an effort to release updates that ease publishers' platform woes. In October, we saw a lot of this — first with changes to Instant Articles monetization, and then with News Feed Publisher Guidelines.
We're firm believers in the magic of Instant Articles, and constantly preach that it can tremendously help your social strategy. Big publishers like The Atlantic who have remained committed to using the format as part of their distribution strategy have reaped the benefits. The Atlantic has seen a 40% year-over-year increase in unique visitors on mobile, thanks in large part to Instant Articles.
And with premium subscriptions being the next big focus of news publishers, Facebook is listening and testing new subscription models in Instant Articles. The new test gives publishers control over pricing, offers, subscriber relationships, and 100% of the revenue. Find out how it works here.
Source: Facebook
Another big October update focused on the News Feed. Publishers continue to demand answers for what ranks well, and how to best cater content to their audiences. Facebook has since introduced their News Feed Publisher Guidelines — a set of "do's and don'ts" that center around what users value. It's intended to give better insight into the type of content readers value and crave. The main takeaways are that users value:
- Content that's meaningful and informative
- Accurate, authentic content
- Standards for safe, respectful behavior
To learn more about all of 2017's Facebook algorithm changes + how to approach the new era of digital publishing, click here.
