Meta has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) translation and dubbing tool that allows creators to automatically translate, dub, and lip-sync Reels into another language, opening fresh opportunities to grow international audiences.
Unveiled on Tuesday, the feature goes beyond subtitles by recreating not just the words but also the sound and tone of a creator’s voice, while syncing lip movements to match the translated audio. This makes it appear as though the creator is actually speaking in the new language, enhancing authenticity and engagement with viewers.
According to Meta, creators can choose to enable or disable the feature, review translations before publishing, and remove them at any time. Once published, viewers will see Reels in their preferred language, while creators will gain insights into how many views each language version generates.
“With Meta AI translations, you can speak to viewers in their own language, opening up your content to new audiences that may not have found it accessible before,” the company said.
The feature currently supports English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translations, with additional languages set to be added in the future. For now, it is available to Facebook creators with at least 1,000 followers and all public Instagram accounts.
On Facebook, creators can activate the tool by selecting “Translate your voice with Meta AI” before publishing a Reel. Meta advises that the best results come from face-to-camera videos with clear audio, minimal background noise, and no overlapping voices.
In addition to AI dubbing, Meta is offering creators the option to upload up to 20 of their own dubbed audio tracks for a single Reel through the “Closed captions and translations” section of the Meta Business Suite. This feature supports translations both before and after publishing, giving creators more flexibility in expanding their reach beyond English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri said the innovation is designed to break down cultural and linguistic barriers. “We believe there are lots of amazing creators out there who have potential audiences who don’t necessarily speak the same language. If we can help you reach those audiences, we can help you grow your following and get more value out of Instagram and the platform,” he said.
The development also comes as Meta expands monetization opportunities for African creators. Nigerian content creators became eligible for Facebook monetization in July 2024 through features such as In-Stream Ads and Ads on Reels. For in-stream ads, creators are required to meet eligibility thresholds, including having at least 5,000 followers.
Analysts believe the combination of Meta’s AI dubbing tool and monetization features could reshape digital entrepreneurship across Africa. By making local content globally accessible while providing income streams, the platform could empower small businesses, influencers, and creative entrepreneurs to scale their brands beyond language barriers and local markets.
