Recently, Facebook officially announced that all uploaded video content will be automatically classified as Reels in the future!
This is no longer exclusive to short videos, but a major strategic shift for the platform. Whether you upload a short video, a long video, a vertical or horizontal video, as long as it is not a live broadcast, it will automatically enter the Reels stream.
What does this mean? How should we adjust the content creation and publishing process? This article gives you a comprehensive explanation of the changes + tutorial guide to help you easily keep up with the platform rhythm.
Update Overview: Facebook Videos have fully Switched to Reels!
All video uploads are published as Reels by default (no need to manually select the format)
No restrictions on duration and format (even a video of a few minutes can be made into a Reels)
Live videos are still an independent type (the upload method and entrance remain unchanged, but they may be displayed in Reels streams)
Merge and unify the analysis data of videos and Reels
The "Video" tab will be officially renamed the "Reels" tab
Reels creator tools are now open to all video uploaders
Unified management of privacy settings for Feed and Reels
What changes will happen to your video?
Previously, Facebook creators had to choose between "Reels" and "Video" when uploading videos. Now, no matter how you upload, as long as it is not live, it will:
Automatically appear in Reels streams for greater exposure
Automatically use the Reels toolset (filters, soundtracks, subtitles, editing, etc.)
Automatically included in Reels statistics system (such as 3-second and 1-minute viewing time indicators)
This is equivalent to a big step towards "TikTokization".
How-to guide: How to adapt to Facebook Reels
Here's what you can start doing right now:
1. Re-optimize your video content style
Although Reels has no time limit, the algorithm prefers content with high completion rate and high interaction rate.
Seize the first 3 seconds to enhance the appeal of the beginning
Add subtitles and visual rhythm to increase retention rate
Try to shoot vertically to adapt to the mobile experience
Use hot topics, challenges, and background music to enhance sociality
2. Take advantage of the new Reels tool provided by Meta
You can now use:
Clipping Scissors Tool
Stickers, special effects filters
Multiple segment merging
Automatic dubbing and background music matching function
This set of tools is similar to Instagram Reels, and even novices can quickly get started.
3. Pay attention to changes in your Reels data panel
The data entry is merged into Reels analysis, and the following points need to be paid attention to:
3-second views
1 minute views
Completed viewing rate
Likes, comments, and shares
If you use Meta Business Suite, you can also view historical data comparisons until the end of 2025.
4. Don't forget to check your privacy settings
With the unified settings, Reels and Feeds will use the same audience by default. When you upload for the first time, you will be prompted to confirm:
Is publicly released
Friends Only
Custom group visibility
Set carefully to avoid accidental loss of privacy!
What does this mean for content creators?
Benefits:
Unified entrance, more efficient creation: no need to select video category anymore, you can enter the largest traffic pool as soon as you upload.
More exposure and enhanced recommendation mechanism: Reels recommendation algorithm is stronger than traditional feeds and can increase organic traffic.
More powerful tools, more creativity: Officials promise to further integrate creative tools and provide more editing and special effects functions.
Note:
Differences in audience understanding: For some older users or users who are not familiar with Reels, "Where did the video go?" may be a question.
The content style needs to adapt to the logic of short videos: Even if you upload a long video, you should consider attracting attention in the first few seconds.
The monetization structure will rely more on the Reels ecosystem: we need to continue to pay attention to updates on Reels-related monetization projects and bonus policies.
Why did Meta do this?
Reels is performing very strongly:
It is the content form with the fastest growth in user retention time.
Get more recommendations and exposure than traditional video and picture content .
Benchmarking TikTok, it attracts young users and extends their usage time.
In short, Reels has become Facebook's core growth engine. Unifying content formats is conducive to better algorithm recommendations, improving the consistency of creation tools, and making it easier for creators to monetize and track data.
Conclusion
This update clarifies Facebook's strategic direction - Reels will be the main battlefield for content distribution in the future.
For content creators, this is both an opportunity and a challenge of transformation. The sooner you adapt to the all-video trend of Reels, the more you will gain a first-mover advantage.
Will you change your content strategy because of "videos automatically becoming Reels"?
