Facebook will soon integrate all videos into the Reels format.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced on Tuesday a major change to how videos are displayed and shared. Over the coming months, the platform will begin displaying all videos, regardless of length or orientation (horizontal or vertical), in the "Reels" format.
This change is part of a new plan aimed at unifying the user experience and simplifying the publishing process. The "Video" tab will be replaced by "Reels," reflecting the platform's new direction toward streamlining content creation tools.
In a statement published on its official blog, the company explained: "Previously, users had to choose between posting a traditional video or a Reel, using different tools. Now, everyone can use the same creative tools within a single, unified interface, with easy control over who can view their content."
Reels for Everyone... Without Restrictions.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the time limits previously imposed on Reels, which were capped at 90 seconds. The new update allows sharing videos of any length or format, all of which will be displayed as "Reels." This reflects a trend Meta adopted on Instagram in 2022, where all videos shorter than 15 minutes were automatically converted to Reels.
While this move aims to simplify publishing and improve the content creation experience, it may spark mixed reactions. Watching long videos in a horizontal format within the vertical Reels interface might not be comfortable for everyone, and combining short and long content in the same feed could disrupt the traditional browsing experience.
Flexible Privacy Options.
As part of the update, users will be prompted to specify privacy settings when posting a Reel, allowing them to choose who can view the video—whether everyone, friends only, or a specific group. These settings will be consistent across Page posts and the Reels tab.
Gradual Rollout of the Update.
Meta confirmed that all video types—including long-form and live videos—will remain supported on the platform, explaining that the update will be rolled out gradually worldwide over the coming months.
Expected Reactions... Mixed