Facebook redefines video, turning Reel into TikTok
Facebook is about to merge all videos on the platform into a single Reels format, erasing the distinction between short and long videos. The move promises to increase engagement, but also leaves many people concerned about the experience.
Facebook videos will just be Reels
According to Meta, from now until the end of 2025, all videos posted on Facebook, including short clips, long videos and livestreams, will be converted to Reels format. The Video tab will be renamed Reels, and users will share a single upload tool with many editing features such as adding music and effects.
The goal is to simplify video creation and viewing, while also capitalizing on the popularity of Reels – a format that now accounts for more than 140 billion views per day across Facebook and Instagram, according to Meta. However, the change has also been controversial, as horizontal videos can be squeezed into vertical frames, or longer videos can be mixed with shorter clips in the same stream.
What do users worry about?
Many Vietnamese users expressed concerns about finding their favorite content. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, 35 years old, in Hanoi, said: "I often watch livestreams selling products or long cooking videos. If now mixed with short clips, it will be difficult to find."
The Reels format favors vertical 9:16 video, which is great for mobile, but can degrade the quality of horizontal (16:9) video on a computer or TV. Content creators, especially those making documentary and interview videos, have also had to adjust their production to accommodate the new interface.
On social network X, some comments reflect: "Facebook forces everything into Reels, how can you watch long videos when the frames keep getting cut?"
"Tiktokization" strategy
The consolidation of videos is part of Facebook's "TikTokization" strategy, which prioritizes short, easy-to-watch, and easy-to-spread content. Reels now has no time or format limits, allowing for long videos. However, this can reduce diversity, making it difficult for users who love in-depth videos or livestreams to find suitable content.
Meta is committed to maintaining privacy controls, requiring users to confirm their audience when posting Reels. Old videos will not be affected, only new videos will apply the general format.
Combining videos into Reels is Facebook’s move to keep up with the trend of short-form content. However, if not optimized, this change can be inconvenient for users who love long-form videos. Users and creators will need to get used to the new interface to get the most out of the platform.
