Facebook announced Tuesday that all videos on the platform will soon be shared as reels, regardless of their length or orientation. Until now, users have been able to share both video posts and reels. The company has also renamed the “Video” tab on the platform to the “Reel” tab. This update won’t change the video recommended for you, Facebook says.
Over the next few months, users will not need to choose to upload videos or reels. This is because it is automatically shared as a reel. Additionally, Facebook reels are not bound by length or format restrictions. (Currently, Facebook reels can only last 90 seconds longer.)
The idea behind the change is to streamline video sharing formats on social networks. It’s not the first time a meta-owned platform has done so, as Instagram began automatically converting new video posts to reels in under 15 minutes in 2022.
“We previously planned to upload or post videos feed or post reels using a variety of creative flows and tools for each format,” Facebook explained in a blog post. “Now we’re combining these experiences with a simplified public flow that gives you access to even more creative tools, and you can control your audience’s settings as to who’s watching your reel.”
This change can confuse some users as it can pose several challenges.
For example, if it was uploaded to a vertical reel format, posting horizontal videos can be a hassle. Additionally, users may not want to watch short videos and mixed videos.
As part of the change, the user’s default settings will be the same for feeds and reels. Once users start posting reels after changes, they are asked to check their audience settings and decide which person, friends, or who can see the reels of the selected group.
Following the update, Facebook said it will remain a place for all kinds of video content, whether it’s short, long or live.
The company says it will gradually unfold globally over the next few months.