Instagram reels from NPR's global health and development blog, Goats and Soda, garnered millions of views in 2025, with content ranging from malnutrition solutions to the impact of aid cuts and stories of elderly women's soccer teams. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reported that reels across Facebook and Instagram reached 200 billion plays daily this year, a figure to which Goats and Soda significantly contributed.
Among the most popular reels was a feature on Plumpy'Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) designed to combat severe acute malnutrition. The reel showcased the production of Plumpy'Nut at the Edesia Nutrition plant in Rhode Island, highlighting its role in global efforts to address child hunger. The visual format of Instagram allowed Goats and Soda to effectively demonstrate the simplicity and impact of this life-saving product.
Another reel focused on the consequences of U.S. aid cuts in Zambia, featuring the story of Mary Mayongana, a 42-year-old woman who lost access to her HIV medication as a result. This reel aimed to illustrate the real-world impact of policy decisions on vulnerable populations, using personal narratives to connect with viewers.
A third popular reel highlighted a grannies soccer tournament in South Africa, showcasing the athleticism and camaraderie of elderly women participating in the sport. This reel provided a positive and uplifting perspective on aging and community, contrasting with the often-grim realities of global health challenges.
Goats and Soda's use of Instagram reels reflects a broader trend in journalism toward leveraging short-form video content to reach wider audiences. The visual nature of reels allows for complex issues to be presented in an accessible and engaging manner, potentially increasing public awareness and understanding of global health and development topics. The blog's success in this format suggests the growing importance of adapting journalistic practices to the evolving media landscape.
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