Meta Revamps Facebook Video Experience: All Videos to Be Shared as Reels by Default

Meta is preparing to roll out a major overhaul in the way videos are shared and viewed on Facebook. In the coming months, every video uploaded to the platform—regardless of whether it’s a brief clip or a lengthy recording—will automatically be published as a Reel. This means users will no longer have to choose between uploading a standard video or creating a Reel, as everything will fall under a single, unified video format.

This update promises a much simpler video posting experience. By merging the previously separate tools for videos and Reels into one streamlined publishing system, Meta aims to reduce confusion and make it easier for users to create and share content. Additionally, users will now gain access to an expanded suite of creative tools, allowing for enhanced editing and customization of their video posts.

A significant improvement comes in the removal of format and duration limitations. While traditional Reels came with strict time constraints, the new system won’t impose any such restrictions. Whether it’s a quick 20-second moment or an in-depth 15-minute vlog, every video will be handled the same way under this new format.

Audience control settings will remain in the user’s hands. Privacy preferences for Feed posts will automatically carry over to Reels, ensuring that content is shared according to the poster’s existing choices. Users will also be prompted to confirm or adjust their privacy settings the first time they post after this change is implemented.

Another part of this revamp involves renaming Facebook’s “Video” tab to “Reels.” However, this doesn’t signal the end of longer videos or live streams on the platform. Users will continue to see a mix of video content tailored to their interests. The name change simply reflects Meta’s push toward a more cohesive video-sharing experience.

Importantly, videos that have already been uploaded will remain untouched and won’t be retrofitted into the new format. Only newly shared content moving forward will adopt the Reel classification by default.

With this move, Meta hopes to make Facebook a more streamlined and creator-friendly space, simplifying video sharing while enhancing content discovery and engagement.