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Meta has just launched a new content protection tools on Facebook and Instagram, allowing content creators to protect their original contents (reels) from being reused without their permission. The tools work by matching creators’ content with a content ID system usually by identifying when a reel or video is reused without authorization.
When a match is detected, you'll get a notification in your feed containing the details of the matching content. The details will include the content's views, the account posting the original content, and the number of the account's followers. When an unauthorized reuse is detected, the tools will give creators the options to take three actions—Track, Block, and Release—which I'm going to explain better in this article.
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| Notifications of matching contents |
The tools—which are already used on platforms like YouTube to stop copied videos—represent a new approach Meta is adopting to address a common concern among creators. They allow creators to maintain control over their content without having to manually search for unauthorized reuse.
Meanwhile, it's important to note that the Meta’s new “Content Protection” feature uses the same underlying technology Meta already uses elsewhere to detect matching or copied content. So the content protection tool isn’t a brand-new detection system—it relies on Meta’s existing content-matching tech to spot unauthorized copies.
The primary reason of this article is to guide you through how you can register and use this Meta's Right Manager so that you'll be able to protect your intellectual property on the Meta-owned social platforms. Follow these guidelines to set up and use the Meta's content protection features to manage how your contents are being shared or reused.
How to Set Up Meta's Content Protection Tool
Setting up content protection tool to safeguards your reels on Facebook and Instagram is a very simple and straightforward process. The tool is available and accessible through the Facebook's professional dashboard. You'll need to enroll through the Facebook app and once you've enrolled, the system will automatically protect your original reels going forward.
However, if you're already enrolled into the Facebook Content Monetization (CM) program, the content protection tool will be automatically activated for you. But there's a clause: your contents (reels) must meet enhanced integrity and originality standards. Asides that, creators who are eligible but not automatically activated will see the content protection's notifications in the Facebook feed, profile, and professional dashboard.
You can also activate the feature manually by navigating to your Facebook account's Professional Dashboard >> Contents >> Content Protection. Meanwhile, it's important to note while the protection will covers all new original reels going forward, you will need to manually setup protection for your existing reels. To do that, kindly navigate to "Content Library" under "Professional Dashboard," and manually select the reels you want to protect against unauthorized reuse.
How to Manage Detected Matching Contents on Facebook
Matching contents can be managed in three different ways as provided by Meta. You CAN:
- Track matching contents.
- Block matching contents.
- Release matching contents.
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| Managing Detected Copied Material on Facebook |
Track
When a matching content is detected and you receive the notification in your Facebook account, the Track option will give you the ability to let the copied contents stay visible to the public while you monitor how they perform. This is the default settings for detected copied contents. It allows creators to check engagement and other analytics without taking any immediate action.
However, you can return and choose a different response at any time if you change your mind later. In addition to that, creators also have the ability to add attribution for certain eligible matches on Facebook. This feature places an “original by” tag on the reused reel, directing viewers back to the creator’s Page or Profile. It’s a way to claim ownership and ensure credit is given, even if the copied content remains online.
Block
When you block copied content, you’re basically telling Facebook to remove the video or reel entirely without hesitation. On YouTube, when a creator files a content claim against another creator, the offending creator receives a copyright warning.
But Meta handles things differently. On Meta’s platforms, blocking matching content does not lead to any disciplinary action against the account that posted the copied material.
Release
The "Release" option releases your claim when you opt-in for the option. Releasing a matching content will remove the matching content from your match dashboard, and when this happens, you'll no longer have access to track the matching post again. In other words, you'll no longer be able to the matching post's engagement and other analytics.
Managing Authorized Reuse
You can grant certain accounts automatic reuse of your contents by adding them to your "allow list." When these accounts are added to the lists, matching contents from them will not be flagged and you'll not receive any notifications.
To add accounts to your allow list, go-to "Professional Dashboard" >> "Contents" >> "Contents Protection" >> "Overview" >> "Tools" >> "Allow List." You can add or remove any account on the list at any time.
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| Facebook Content Protection's Allow List |
In addition to protection for original contents, Facebook has a "Copyright Takedown Request" which allows creators to file a take down request when someone tries to protect their original contents or attempts to defend it first. With the copyright takedown request, you CAN:
- Tell Facebook that you are the owner of the original content.
- Report that someone else has posted it without your authorization.
Facebook reviews your report through its IP (Intellectual Property) reporting channel, and if your claim is valid, Facebook will remove the copied content from the other person’s account.
Final Notes
Facebook content protection applies automatically to Reels you upload directly to Facebook—or crosspost from Instagram via the "Share to Facebook" feature. It detects and flags matching content elsewhere on the platforms. Posting or sharing early maximizes protection from the start.
However, it's important not to falsely claim ownership of Reels that aren't yours. This could lead to account restrictions, loss of protection access, or removal of safeguards if Facebook deems the content ineligible after posting.
Things like reaction videos or compilations usually don't qualify. If a Reel doesn't meet the originality standards, you should voluntarily remove its protection through your Professional dashboard settings to avoid issues.
