Meta is taking the next step in its video offensive: with immediate effect all video uploads on Facebook are automatically published as reels. This eliminates the previous distinction between classic videos and reels - a clear focus on the short video format with its high level of engagement.
🚨 What is changing for videos on Facebook?
- All new videos (except livestreams) will in future be <strongstandard as reels treated
- The <strongVideo upload function not applicable - every upload flows directly into the reels feed
- There is <strongNo length or format restrictions more for Reels
- The previous „<strongVideo“ tab is changed to „<strongReels“ renamed
Livestreams are excluded from this and will continue to appear under their own category.
🎯 Why Meta is taking this step
According to Meta, reels are the biggest driver of dwell time and engagement on Facebook. The short video format already dominates use of the platform. With the switch to a <strongstandardised video format Meta wants to simplify content creation - and at the same time channel more content into the Reels feed.
<strongNote: TikTok now also allows videos of up to 60 minutes - Meta is adapting to this trend and <strongresolves the artificial limits for reels.
📊 New metrics & analytics in Reels
The update also includes the <strongInsights merged:
- Video and reel data are <strongtogether in the reels analytics displayed
- Metrics such as <strong3-second views and 1-minute views remain intact
- Historical data for old video formats is still available until the end of the year (via Meta Business Suite)
For creators and companies, this means <strongUniform evaluation of all video formats - less complexity, more clarity.
🔐 Standardised privacy settings
With the reels update, Meta is also standardising the <strongPrivacy settings for feed posts and reels. On the first post you will be asked to confirm or adjust your target group - after that the setting applies to all formats.
💡 Conclusion: Reels will become the new standard video format on Facebook
What used to be optional is now standard: <strongReels are the new video format on Facebook. With the changeover, Meta is focusing entirely on short, mobile-friendly and algorithm-optimised video content.
This means for companies, creators and social media teams: <strongIf you want reach on Facebook, you can no longer ignore Reels. Now is the right time to realign your own video strategy and adapt content to the reels format.
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