Facebook recently shared information on how it will be celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, which officially began on Sept. 15 and will run through Oct. 15, across its apps. The new features, spanning Instagram, Facebook, and Facebook Watch—the platform’s video-on-demand service offering some original programming—aim to celebrate, support, and highlight the voices of the Latinx community, including business owners.
New Instagram stickers, created by illustrators Camila Rosa, Dia Pacheco, and Gabriela Alemán, celebrate the Latinx community through Instagram Stories—when users incorporate them into their stories, a green and yellow gradient will be added to the story ring on their profile. These would be a welcome addition for any retailer or jeweler sharing creations by a Latinx designer in their stories. Instagram has also added a new AR camera effect celebrating the diverse spectrum of Latinx heritage, which boasts colorful and fun themed effects.
Over on Facebook, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month-themed stickers, crafted in partnership with artist Victor Melendez, are available to use in stories and feed posts. Facebook Messenger users can enjoy an immersive background to use for all of their virtual celebrations, during a Messenger video call or through use of Messenger Rooms.
For Latinx-owned small businesses, Facebook has introduced a free monthlong program from Boost With Facebook, a type of paid advertising on the platform. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Latino Business Action Network, the program includes a mix of trainings, small- business panels, and external speaker sessions on topics ranging from access to capital to content creation (registration is open here).
New programming is coming to Facebook Watch, including new original series and music videos. October will see the premiere of Red Table Talk: The Estefans, bringing the iconic Gloria Estefan, as well as her daughter Emily and niece Lili, to Facebook’s Red Table to discuss life experiences and opinions. Exclusive new music videos from Latinx artists will also premiere on the platform as the month progresses.
For more information and access to Facebook’s resource guide, which includes success stories, training resources, and tips to help Latinx business owners grow their businesses, visit this link. And don’t miss this recent article on JCK featuring 13 designers to celebrate during Latinx Heritage Month.
Top: Screenshots of Facebook and Instagram’s new features for Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, image via Facebook Newsroom
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