It’s no secret that people love short videos – TikTok’s meteoric rise to fame and the popularity of Instagram videos proves that short clips are compelling and effective. What about Facebook Reels?
Facebook’s short video version came a bit later than the other apps, but don’t fall asleep on these reels. Facebook Reels are a useful tool in every content creator’s marketing strategy. Especially since you can repurpose content you’ve already created.
In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about Facebook videos, including how to create and share your own short video content.
What are reels on Facebook?
Facebook Reels are short videos (up to 30 seconds) enhanced with tools such as music, audio clips, and effects. They are often used by content creators, marketers, and influencers.
Facebook is a bit late when it comes to vertical video content. They first launched Reels in the US in September 2021 and worldwide in 2022 (for example, Instagram Reels debuted in 2020 and TikTok was first released in 2016).
But even though they’ve come a little bit later than other apps, Facebook Reels is now available in more than 150 countries for content creators around the world.
Videos posted to Facebook Reels appear in the feed with vertical scrolling and can be found in the Feed, Groups, and Menus.
Facebook Reels vs. Instagram Reels
Facebook and Instagram Reels are actually app-to-app related, which makes sense since they’re both owned by Meta. If you watch an Instagram video on Facebook and try to comment on it, you will be transferred from one application to another.
The main difference between the two is that Facebook videos will show up in people’s feeds whether they follow you or not. This expands your reach beyond friends and family and allows you to connect with new people.
Where are Facebook videos shown?
Facebook wants you to watch videos, so they’ve made it easy to show videos across pretty much the entire platform. Here’s how to find Reels on Facebook.
Videos in your feed
The videos appear at the top of the page, to the right of your stories. You will also notice that the reels are halfway down as you scroll through your feed.
Videos in Facebook groups
In Facebook groups, the reels will be displayed in the top right vertical menu.
Reels from your menu
You can find your menu by going to the hamburger menu on your home page. For Android users – in the upper right corner. iPhone users can find the menu at the bottom of your app.
In the menu, you will find Coils in the upper left corner.
How to make a Facebook video in 5 steps
Does the thought of making short videos give you chills? Relax: Creating your first Facebook video doesn’t have to be stressful! We’ve broken down exactly how to do it in 5 easy steps.
We cover everything from publishing, editing and editing to adding pre-recorded videos to Facebook videos.
Step 1: Click “Create”in the “Reels”section of your Facebook feed.
This will take you to your phone’s camera roll gallery. Here you can add pre-recorded videos or photos to Facebook videos. Or you can create your own drum on the fly.
Step 2. Record, link or upload your content
If you decide to record your own video, you can use effects such as green screen. You can also upload one of your own photos to use as your green screen background.
You can also add music, speed it up or slow it down, add effects like filters, or use this handy timer for hands-free creativity. One thing to note is that if you choose to use a filter, your green screen will disappear.
Once you’ve recorded a video or uploaded your own photo, it’s time to add effects.
Step 3. Add effects like audio clips, text, stickers or music.
You can add audio clips, lyrics, stickers, or music to your video using the menu on the right side of the screen. You can also trim the video to your desired length here.
The Text feature lets you write directly into the video, but use text sparingly. It is best to avoid extra text in photos and videos.
If you click “Audio”at the top, you will have the option to add music or voice over.
Don’t forget to click “Save”if you want to download the video to your phone.
Once you’ve put together and edited your video to perfection, click next.
Step 4. Add a description, hashtags and select your audience.
Your final step to creating a Facebook video is to add a description and hashtags, and decide who will see your art.
Your description will appear in the video caption. Be sure to include relevant hashtags so you can expand your reach.
Source: Somedeafguy on Facebook
Source: #comedy on Facebook
Here you can set the audience you want for your video. By default, Facebook is set to “Public”for all authors over the age of 18. If you want your content to be seen by the maximum number of people, we recommend leaving this setting public.
Step 5. Share your video
Click “Share Video”at the bottom of the screen and you’re done!
Now your video will be seen by all your friends on Facebook. And hopefully be discovered by new viewers.
How does the Facebook Reels algorithm work?
Facebook has publicly announced that the algorithm aims to help users “discover new content and experience the stories they care about the most.”And Facebook also mentioned that they are “focused on making Reels the best way for creators to get discovered.”
This means that Facebook Reels are meant to help users discover new things. It could be YOU as a brand or creator, or something you want to show the world! Test Reel content that serves to educate, reveal new information, or tell your story.
Above all, create content that people find interesting or entertaining. User engagement is Facebook’s bread and butter, so it only makes sense that the algorithm would focus on rewarding participation.
If you serve the algorithm, the algorithm will serve you.
Facebook Reels Best Practices
We all know how important it is to follow best practices and create content that people love to watch. But, if your reels explode, you may find yourself in the coveted Reels Play bonus program.
Facebook created Reels Play to reward content creators whose videos get more than 1,000 views within 30 days. The program intends to compensate creators for these video views on Instagram and Facebook.
Reels Play is invite-only and a select few will be alerted directly to their professional dashboard in the Instagram app.
So stick to these best practices to keep your drumming really strong.
Keep track of what works
Tracking the results of your content allows you to focus your efforts and attention on the snippets that resonate. You can use the Facebook analytics dashboard in the app, or upgrade to more detailed third-party analytics like Hootsuite.
If your account is new, you won’t have enough data to see what works and what doesn’t. But if you’re successful on Instagram or TikTok, use this data to tell you what worked out well. You can then try experimenting with what worked for those applications.
Repurpose your TikTok videos
Repurposing content is one surefire way to save time. Choose your top performing TikTok content and post it to your Facebook Reels.
Instagram has made it clear that it will make watermarked content less visible ; the same probably applies to Facebook.
Luckily, you can easily remove that annoying watermark that TikTok likes to add.
Link your Instagram videos
If you are using one, you can also use both. You can easily share your Instagram videos to Facebook by enabling the option when posting. Or you can set up automatic sharing when content is posted.
There has been some debate about whether or not you should be sharing content between the two apps. Hootsuite author Stacey McLachlan did a little research on whether you should share Instagram content with Facebook Reels. TL;DR: It can’t hurt.
Post quality content
Nothing will make someone skip your video faster than a blurry or shaky image. So make sure you only post quality content on your Facebook Reels.
Your content reflects your brand. If you post high-quality content, people will assume that your brand is also polished and professional. You’re also more likely to earn meaningful interactions with your audience.
In addition, users are more likely to share high-quality videos, which can help increase brand awareness and reach.
Only vertical videos
Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels are customized for vertical video. So don’t turn your phone sideways while recording!
Remember that Facebook rewards content that follows all of its best practices.
use music
Music in your videos can help add energy and excitement, making your videos more fun and interesting.
Music can also set the tone for your video and make it easier for viewers to remember your content in a sea of other videos. You can even track popular sounds to join the conversation.
Use good lighting
Good lighting is essential when shooting social media videos because it makes the video look more professional. When you shoot in low light, the image is often grainy and hard to see. This can distract viewers and make them more likely to scroll through your content.
Good lighting also helps set the mood of the video. For example, softer lighting can create a more intimate atmosphere, while brighter lighting can give a video a more energetic feel.
Experiment
Let’s be sure: you probably won’t go viral with your first video. Luckily, there is no one size fits all for Facebook Reels, so consider finding a style that fits your brand.
Experimentation can also help you engage your audience. New features will keep your content fresh and give your audience a reason to come back for more.
Trying new things can even lead to a breakthrough in your content creation process. You may stumble upon an unexpected theme or style that will really resonate with your audience.
Enable header
The caption helps set the scene and tone for the video. This is your opportunity to help shape how people experience your content. You can use captions to add a touch of personality, make a joke, or convey a sincere message.
Captions can provide important context that would otherwise be lost, such as the location of an event or who is in the video. The caption can also help highlight key takeaways from the video, making viewers more likely to remember the most important points.
Be intentional
The content you post tells your audience what your brand is all about. That’s why it’s important to be intentional when planning and creating videos.
Think carefully about the message you want to convey, the tone you want to use, and the audience you want to reach.
Follow the trends
Social media trends change quickly and posting something even a week late can make your brand irrelevant.
It is important to follow current trends. See what types of videos are popular in your industry and try creating similar content.
It goes without saying, but it also means you need to watch other videos before creating them yourself. Understanding the landscape in the first place will help you find a niche that makes sense for your brand.
Collaborate with like-minded people
Find an influencer or someone respected in your industry to partner with. They will have different fans than you and will help promote your products or services to a wider audience.
Use transitions
Most people learn visually, which is why Facebook videos with transitions are so effective. A transition video can easily convey the before and after transformation, making it easier for viewers to understand the value of your product or service.
The secret is to crop the video and use the straighten tool. This will help make the transition smooth and seamless.
Stop trying to go viral
The key to Facebook Reels’ success is not to go viral. In fact, trying to go viral often leads to disaster. This can make your content look like it’s trying too hard.
A well-crafted video that appeals to your target audience is more likely to lead to meaningful connections than one that tries to mimic the status of a viral video. In the end, it’s more important to focus on creating quality content that resonates with your audience than trying to get as many views as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facebook Videos
How long can Facebook Reels be?
Facebook videos must be longer than 3 and up to 30 seconds. It doesn’t feel like a lot of time, but trust us, you can achieve a lot in 30 seconds.
How do you share Instagram videos to Facebook?
Sharing videos from Instagram to Facebook is incredibly easy. It’s like the apps want you to interact with each other.
In the Instagram app, start recording a video. After recording, click next to “Share on Facebook”. Here you can choose which Facebook account you want to share.
Then choose if you want to share all future videos on Facebook. Click the share button and you’re done!
How can you search for Reels on Facebook?
There is no dedicated search bar for Reels, but there is an easy way to search for Reels on Facebook.
Just go to the Facebook search bar, enter the keyword you want to search for and add word drums. This will cause Discover Reels to scroll vertically at the top of your page!
What are overlays?
Overlay ads are a way for creators to monetize their videos on Facebook.
They are very similar to what the name implies: ads overlayed on top of your video. They are also fairly non-invasive. The ads have a transparent gray background and are fairly inconspicuous.
Source: Facebook
When people interact with your video, you earn money.
To subscribe to overlay ads, you just need to be part of an existing Facebook video in-stream ad program. If yes, then you are automatically eligible for video ads. You can opt out at any time in your Creator Studio.
How can you disable Reels on Facebook?
Unfortunately, you cannot remove or disable the display of reels in your Facebook feed.
But you can use Facebook on your desktop, which doesn’t include Reels yet. Or you can remove the app from your phone and download an older version of Facebook that doesn’t have the new feature.