Meta Launches New "Content Protection" Tool: Stop Stolen Reels Instantly

If you are a content creator, you know the pain of "Freebooting." You spend hours filming and editing a perfect Reel, only to see a random account re-upload it and get millions of views without giving you credit.

For years, only big companies and music labels had the power to stop this. But on November 18, 2025, Meta changed the game.

They officially rolled out "Facebook Content Protection," a new, simplified tool designed specifically for individual creators. It allows you to automatically detect, block, or claim credit for your stolen content on both Facebook and Instagram.

In this article, we will explain exactly how this tool works, who can use it, and how to set it up today.

What is the "Facebook Content Protection" Tool?

This is a new feature found inside the Facebook Professional Dashboard.

Unlike the complex "Rights Manager" tool used by movie studios, this new tool is built for mobile and is easy to use. It works like a 24/7 security guard for your videos.

• How it works: Once you enroll, Meta's AI scans Facebook and Instagram constantly.
• The Technology: It uses "fingerprinting" technology to find videos that match yours—even if the thief has cropped it, changed the speed, or flipped the video.
• The Scope: It protects Reels primarily. If you post a Reel on Facebook (or cross-post from Instagram to Facebook), it is automatically protected.

The 3 Actions You Can Take

When the tool finds a stolen copy of your video, it sends you a notification. You then have three powerful options to choose from:

1. Block the Content
If you don't want the thief to profit from your work, you can hit "Block."

• This instantly removes the stolen video from view on both Facebook and Instagram.
• The person who stole it does not get "banned" immediately (to prevent abuse), but the video disappears, stopping them from gaining followers or money from your work.

2. Claim Attribution (The "Credit Me" Button)
Sometimes, you might be happy that your video is going viral, even on another page. You just want credit.

• With this option, the video stays up, but Meta adds a "Original by [Your Name]" label on the video.
• When viewers click that label, they are taken directly to your profile. This is a great way to gain free followers from viral reposts.

3. Monitor (Track Performance)
You can choose to do nothing but watch. The tool will show you how many views the stolen video is getting vs. your original one. This is useful for market research to see which pages are sharing your content.

Who Can Use This Tool?

As of late November 2025, this tool is rolling out in waves. It is not open to everyone yet.

Requirements to Join:

1. Monetization Program: You usually need to be part of the "Facebook Content Monetization" program.
2. Originality Score: Your account must have a history of posting original content. Aggregator pages (pages that only repost others) will not get access to this tool.
3. Location: It is currently available to creators in the US, UK, Europe, and select Asian regions, with a global rollout expected by early 2026.

How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step)

If you are eligible, you don't need to download a new app. It is already on your phone.

1. Open the Facebook App on your mobile.
2. Go to your Professional Dashboard.
3. Scroll down to the "Tools" section.
4. Look for a shield icon labeled "Content Protection."
5. Tap "Enroll" or "Start Protecting."

Note: Once you enroll, it will automatically scan your past and future Reels. You do not need to submit videos one by one.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Creators

Before this update, filing a copyright claim was a nightmare. You had to fill out a legal DMCA form, provide your address, and wait days for a response.

With Facebook Content Protection, the process is instant.

• It puts the power back in the hands of the creator.
• It discourages "spam pages" that grow by stealing viral clips.
• It helps original creators grow by forcing credit where it is due.

Conclusion

The era of unchecked content theft is coming to an end. With Meta's new Content Protection tool, you finally have the power to control where your face and your work appear.

If you are a serious creator, check your Professional Dashboard today. Protecting your intellectual property has never been this easy.

Source - about.fb.com , creators.facebook.com , techcrunch.com