In a significant update, Facebook has announced that all video uploads on the platform will soon be automatically converted into Reels, marking a major shift in its content strategy. The change, set to roll out in the coming months, will eliminate the distinction between regular videos and Reels, allowing users to share any video without selecting a specific format.
Notably, this transformation comes with no length or format restrictions, giving creators more flexibility.
The only exception to this new system will be livestreams, which will continue to operate under their own separate category. While live videos may appear in the Reels feed, they will not be classified as Reels content.
The move is part of Facebook’s broader effort to simplify the user experience by merging the previously separate upload processes for videos and Reels into a single, streamlined workflow. Users will also benefit from unified audience settings, ensuring that privacy preferences for Feed posts and Reels remain consistent.
Meta has confirmed that video and Reels analytics will now be consolidated under Reels metrics, retaining key performance indicators such as 3-second and 1-minute views. Businesses and creators using Meta Business Suite will retain access to historical video data until the end of the year, after which all future video metrics will be displayed exclusively as Reels analytics.
The company has assured that monetisation payouts will remain unaffected as long as engagement levels stay steady.
The decision reflects the growing dominance of Reels as Facebook’s primary engagement driver. Since its introduction, Reels has evolved from 60-second clips to accommodating longer and more diverse content, mirroring the platform’s push to compete with rivals like TikTok, which currently allows videos up to 60 minutes long.
Meta’s internal data underscores the format’s success, with Reels contributing significantly to increased user time spent on the app.
While the update aims to simplify content creation, it may pose initial challenges for less tech-savvy users accustomed to the traditional video upload option. However, Facebook is expected to implement measures to ease the transition.
The rebranding of the “Video” tab to the “Reels” tab further signals Meta’s commitment to prioritising short-form video content, aligning with global trends in digital media consumption.