Facebook announced on Tuesday that all videos on its platform will soon be shared as reels, regardless of length or orientation. Previously, users could share both video posts and reels. The company will also rename the “Video” tab to the “Reels” tab, but assures users that video recommendations will remain unchanged.
In the coming months, users will no longer have to choose between uploading a video or a reel, as all uploads will automatically be shared as reels without length or format restrictions. Currently, reels on Facebook are limited to 90 seconds.
This change aims to streamline the video-sharing process on the social network. Instagram, another Meta-owned platform, began automatically converting new video posts under 15 minutes into reels back in 2022.
“Previously, you’d upload a video to Feed or post a reel using different creative flows and tools for each format,” Facebook explained in a blog post. “Now, we’re unifying these experiences with a simplified publishing flow that gives you access to even more creative tools while allowing you to control your audience settings.”
Some users may find the change frustrating, particularly if horizontal videos are converted to vertical reels. Additionally, mixing longer videos with shorter ones could be undesirable for some viewers.
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Under the new system, users’ default settings for the Feed and reels will align. When posting reels, users will be prompted to confirm their audience settings, choosing from options like everyone, friends, or a select group.
Facebook emphasizes that it will continue to support all types of video content, whether short, long, or Live, and plans to roll out these changes globally over the coming months.
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH