Meta Tests New Ways For Creators To Monetize For Horizon Worlds
Source: Meta
Meta is testing new ways for creators to monetize for Horizon Worlds, its social virtual reality platform, where people can create and explore digital worlds. Horizon Worlds is currently accessible via Quest VR headsets.
First, Meta is rolling out the ability for creators to sell virtual items and effects within their virtual worlds. For example, creators can sell accessories in a fashion world or VIP access to a new space. Meta will take a 25% cut of each transaction on top of the Quest Store's 30% transaction fee.
Second, Meta is testing a Horizon Worlds Creator Bonus program with creators in the U.S. Bonuses will be distributed monthly through a goal-oriented program. Meta will reward creators based on the amount of time people spend in their worlds. In the future, bonuses may be based on other factors to increase testing or adoption of new features and tools.
Meta's ambition to "own" the metaverse is well documented. If it's going to do that, establishing relationships with creators is vital. Like its efforts to grow Reels across Instagram and Facebook, it's leveraging monetary rewards to encourage creators to invest in its VR platform.
This familiar playbook has worked for the most part in getting people to create and share more Reels content, so it's likely to have the same impact with Horizon Worlds. Taking the two-pronged approach to monetization gives creators a couple of options to choose to monetize their virtual presence. However, Meta has a history of enticing creators with money (like we see them doing here), but then pulling back that monetary support once creators are hooked.
Currently, Horizon Worlds doesn't support any brand worlds or advertising except Wendy's recently launched Wendyverse. However, that will likely change down the road as the Horizon Worlds userbase increases and brands increasingly look to reach consumers through digital experiences. As of February, there were 300,000 monthly users. These numbers will increase as more creators build experiences and Meta expands Horizon Worlds to mobile devices and possibly gaming consoles and other regions.
Roblox, which supports both creator monetization and brand advertising, is an example of what Horizon Worlds can be in the future.
