What's Happening?
Instagram reels have gained immense popularity in 2025, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reporting 200 billion plays daily on the platform. NPR's global health and development blog, Goats and Soda, contributed significantly to this trend with its engaging content. The blog's reels covered topics such as Plumpy'Nut, aid cuts, and soccer grannies, attracting millions of views. This surge in popularity highlights the growing influence of visual storytelling on social media and its ability to engage audiences on critical global issues.
Why It's Important?
The rise of Instagram reels as a dominant form of content consumption reflects broader shifts in media consumption patterns. Visual storytelling through short-form videos is becoming a powerful tool for raising awareness
and driving engagement on important topics. For organizations like NPR, leveraging this medium allows them to reach wider audiences and amplify their impact. This trend also underscores the importance of adapting to new media formats to effectively communicate complex issues and engage diverse audiences.
