Let us introduce you to “Facebook Reels”, Facebook Reels is Facebook’s native short-form, vertical video feature for video creators. If you have been thinking about starting and making short videos on then Facebook Reels is for you.
We know this vertical video format is so engaging that it eats up so much of our time. No wonder TikTok has surpassed Youtube as users of TikTok watch around 24 hours of content on the app compared to Youtube’s 22 hours and 40 minutes each month.
Well, you probably heard of Instagram Reels – it’s an Instagram feature for competing TikTok. Now both these apps got more competitive as Facebook Reels pops up on the scene.
The growing popularity of the vertical video format pushed Facebook to go ahead of Stories and come up with the Reels feature. These short-form, vertical videos blend nicely into the Instagram and Facebook apps.
If you’re new to social media marketing and video creation on the internet. In that case, it may sound a little overwhelming to you. Allow us to explain these things in the next few minutes.
What Are Facebook Reels?
Facebook Reels are short-form, full-screen vertical videos that Facebook has introduced after the popularity of vertical video formats across different social media apps. Facebook initially launched Reels back in 2021 in the U.S. but later expanded to 150 countries in 2022.
Facebook Reels are a great source of exploring music, comedy, and entertainment content. To find out what’s happening in the Facebook Reels world, scroll through your Facebook news feed or group feed and find the Reels section.
Once you start watching the Reels, you can follow your favorite creators directly from the video. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to communicate with the creator through comments, likes, and shares.
Related: Facebook Performance Metrics – Social Media Analytics from ContentStudio
Why Did Facebook Launch Reels?
TikTok was the first in the game. After that, Instagram launched “Instagram Reels,” and YouTube created “Shorts”. And, now Facebook has joined the bandwagon of short-form vertical videos with “Facebook Reels.”
Here are a few possible reasons for launching Reels:
- The TikTok has an average user engagement rate of 17.5%.
- TikTok creator fund has had no parallel monetization program whatsoever.
- The vertical video format is digestible and easy to access. The continuity of the videos in the loop is a huge success factor.
- Reels play bonus program allows creators to earn from Facebook Reels.
- The Facebook Reels could flawlessly blend in with Facebook features like Stories and Watch.
- Reels could massively increase the average user time spent on Facebook.
How to Make Reels on Facebook?
We might discuss Facebook Reels through and through, but it would be unfair if we don’t touch on how to make Reels on Facebook.
Some of you might get confused and go to the App Store or Play Store to download the Facebook Reels app. Therefore, it’s important to help guide you on this. Facebook Reels isn’t a standalone app, but it’s a built-in feature in the Facebook app.
Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of making Facebook Reels:
Step #1: Click on the Reels Button in the Facebook App
To start creating Reels, go to the Reels option and tap on the create button to start creating Reels.
Step #2: Create or Choose a Video to Add to Your Reel
Once you tap on the create button, you’d have to choose the video to add to your Reel. Then, all you need is to tap the video you want to post on Reels.
Step #3: Add Suitable Text and Effects to the Video
Adding the essential elements such as audio, text, effects, captions, or a timer to your Reel takes your Reels video to the next level. Don’t overlook using these features in the Reels.
Step #4: Tap the Next Button After Finishing Making the Reel
Once you’ve done opting for the right video clip and adding essential elements to the video, tap the next button to move on to the next step.
Step #5: Write a Description for the Reel Video
Write a brief yet-to-the-point Reel video description to help people understand the context of the video. You don’t need to write a lengthy description. Just keep it short and sweet.
Step #6: Choose the Audience to Share With
After adding the description, choose the audience you want to share the reel video with. Make your reel videos public if you want more attention and viewership on Instagram Reels.
Step #7: Share Reel Once Finish Making
Once it’s all done, feel free to share the reel video with the audience.
That’s pretty much it.
Can You Share Facebook Reels on Instagram?
You might wonder whether or not you could share the Facebook Reels on Instagram. Since Meta owns Facebook and Instagram apps. No wonder users would want to make videos once and share them on both apps.
Facebook stated in their Facebook Reels update that they’re exploring new ways for creators to share reel videos on both Instagram and Facebook. Therefore, cross-posting isn’t off the table.
Until no further update comes from Facebook on the cross-posting, it’s almost impossible to post reels simultaneously on Facebook and Instagram.
How to Search Reels on Facebook?
I won’t be worried about searching Reels on Facebook. All I care about is that I get to scroll through my news feed and spot the Reels section next to Stories and Rooms.
However, Facebook Reels is available on both desktop and app versions of Facebook. The interface is pretty much similar to TikTok, especially on the mobile app.
Once you tap the Reels video, it starts to recommend videos on a loop. It’s quite challenging to get away from that flux of videos coming your way. It’s no surprise that the average user spends 40 minutes every day on TikTok.
As far as the searching on Facebook Reels is concerned, it could be one of those features that might be available in the future. Unfortunately, you won’t find a search bar in the Facebook Reels section.
Related: Excel at Video Marketing Using ContentStudio’s Video Publishing feature
Can You Earn With Facebook Reels?
Are you curious about the earning potential from Facebook Reels? Well, we’re going to give a definite answer to your query.
The answer is yes. You can earn with Facebook Reels. As Meta announced their Reels Play bonus program, which pays up to $35,000 to the eligible creators based on the views on the qualifying reels.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Reels Play bonus program is part of the $1 billion creator investment plan from Facebook’s parent company. However, the money-making opportunities with Facebook Reels don’t stop here.
According to Facebook, they’re working on a monetization framework that would enable creators to earn more money. They’re likely to connect Reels monetization with in-stream ads and Stars.
It’s been learned that Facebook has already been testing Facebook Reels overlay ads for creators in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The press release revealed that they’re going to test two formats initially. I.E., banner ads at the bottom of the reel videos and sticker ads that can be placed anywhere within the Reel.
Such ad revenue-sharing methods would significantly increase creator earnings from Facebook Reels. If you have been eyeing earning money from TikTok. In that case, we’d highly recommend keeping an eye on the Facebook Reels platform.
Facebook Reels vs. TikTok
TikTok is the pioneer in the vertical, short-form video genre. Not only is it the most downloaded app in history, but it has also become a mainstream social media platform.
Even though Facebook Reels are available in select countries, it still has a lot of potential to grow and compete with TikTok. Since Facebook is the top-tier social media platform and Reels is a Facebook feature, there is a massive opportunity for creators to cash in on the vertical video format.
The main difference between Facebook Reels and TikTok is that TikTok is a standalone app, and Facebook Reels is a Facebook feature.
It might not make much difference since the Facebook Reels feature doesn’t need to build an audience from scratch.
However, TikTok pretty much started from zero after re-branding from Music.ly. It took five to six years for TikTok to become one of the top-tier social media apps.
In case you are curious about the Facebook Reels vs. TikTok contest and wondering what platform to choose from a content creation standpoint, then the answer depends on various factors, such as:
- Do you already have a noticeable audience on Facebook?
- Can you make highly engaging videos to break into the TikTok world?
- Do you follow TikTokers or Facebook influencers?
- How much do you know about the TikTok algorithm?
- Do you want to make 60 seconds vertical videos or long-form vertical videos? (Facebook Reels platform allows 60 seconds videos, whereas you can upload longer videos on TikTok)
It won’t be easy to choose between TikTok and Facebook Reels, and if you’re going through this problem, you’re not alone.
Therefore, it all comes down to the nitty-gritty of every individual creator who wants to jump on the vertical videos bandwagon and try it out.
Choose the platform that suits you the best. For instance, if you’re a hairstylist who never tried either platform but loves to come on the camera and make videos, then TikTok is the best platform for you.
On the other hand, if you have a strong following on Facebook but don’t even have a TikTok account. Perhaps you should try your luck on Facebook Reels because you already have some authority and trustworthiness.
At the end of the day, if you’re passionate about your genre and ready to put out suitable content for each platform, you could still win.
Related: Beat Your Social Competition with Facebook Competitors’ Analytics – ContentStudio
How Facebook Reels Can Be a Game-Changer?
No doubt that Facebook has a vast audience. The latest statistics show that Facebook has over 2.93 billion monthly active users. However, it doesn’t mean you could put out the trash on Facebook, which would turn things around for you.
It’s quite the opposite. The larger the user base, the higher the competition. Therefore, it’s necessary to crack the code whether you’re trying to do live streaming, stories, reels, or watch.
It’s no surprise that Facebook Reels and Facebook stories could be a game-changer for video creators. Unfortunately, most creators either give up too soon or cannot figure it out.
So before winding up this article, we’d like to shed some light on a few essential steps to crush it with your Facebook reels.
Here are a few steps to make the most of the Facebook Reels feature:
I. Identify Your Strength in Making Short-Form Videos
The very first thing you must figure out is your strength. The key to making consistent and engaging content is to use your strengths to your advantage.
Let’s suppose that you’re good at painting. Then, you could either teach people how to paint or show your painting process in the time-lapse videos on Facebook Reels.
Therefore, before you ponder the right platform to choose, work on your strength and figure out what you want to show to the world.
II. Make Highly Entertaining or Informative Vertical Videos
94% of people around the world watch videos holding their smartphones vertically/ The key to winning on any vertical video platform, whether Facebook Reels, Shorts, or TikTok, is making highly engaging videos. The only way to create highly engaging videos is by making them entertaining or informative.
Try creating a hook in the first three seconds to engage the audience, and it’s only possible if you have an exciting, educational, or funny idea to share with the audience.
It’s no secret that it takes less than a second to scroll through on TikTok or Facebook Reels. But, of course, people don’t wait too long for the fun or educational part. So try to engage people with your idea or subject matter quickly.
III. Use Creativity to Make Reels
Creativity is the secret to making successful vertical videos regardless of the short-form platform. It doesn’t matter if you start on Facebook Reels or Instagram Reels or TikTok because if your videos are boring, the platform won’t matter.
Therefore, use your creativity, imagination, and experience to create fun, entertaining, or educational videos to appeal to the audience.
If you have seen Shorts or TikTok videos, you must have seen funny or creative videos that get a ton of views. The reason is that such videos attract an audience, and thus, it brings much attention to the creators.
IV. Prepare Scripts or Critical Points to Discuss
You may have watched TikTok videos or Facebook Reels of influencers. But have you ever noticed that these influencers flawlessly speak without mumbling? The reason is that they come well-prepared.
Most video creators prepare their scripts to decide what they want to say in the video. Others usually write down key points on a piece of paper or sticky notes in front of them. The point is that do whatever you can to speak smoothly and confidently.
V. Shoot With a Proper Camera Gear
Many video creators say that the camera gear doesn’t matter. All you need is to start making videos with minimum equipment. It’s true from taking the first-step standpoint. However, when you have to compete with other experts in the niche and when you have to break into the social media world, you better be equipped with proper camera gear.
Believe it or not, the video camera quality matters a lot. Have you noticed we stop scrolling through the TikTok feed the moment a high-quality video pops up?
The reason is that the high-quality videos are eye-catching. Therefore, good-quality vertical videos could attract more people to your Facebook Reels.
VI. Put in the Work in Video Editing
When using a video platform to get attention and build an audience, making better videos is essential. And often, video editing makes your videos look a lot better than the raw versions.
Some of you might think you don’t have any video editing skills. The solution is that you hire a video editor on a freelance basis or learn how to edit videos. It’s essential to know that video editing is a prerequisite to making any vertical video, whether TikTok or Facebook Reels.
VII. Publish Facebook Reels More Often
One of the easy wins for taking advantage of this vertical video platform is putting out more content. The more you publish Facebook reel videos, the higher the chance to make your reels go viral.
Most social media platforms reward content creators that are gaining traction. And the only way to do that is by attracting the audience through helpful, entertaining, or fun content.
On the other hand, if you’re doing so consistently, you’re likely to pop up faster than others who aren’t publishing more often. So focus on publishing Facebook Reels regularly.
Let’s Conclude
Suppose you have a tiny bit of doubt that Facebook Reels isn’t going anywhere. In that case, you must rethink your whole social media marketing strategy.
It’s a fact that TikTok is a leader in the vertical video genre. Still, it doesn’t mean other social media giants have given up.
Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels are right behind TikTok, and the game is on.
This is why we chose Facebook Reels this time around and discussed it in detail. One of the takeaways from this article is that if you’re ignoring “video” while doing social media marketing, you’re making a huge mistake.
We’ve tried to explain what Facebook Reels feature is and how you can get started with Facebook Reels to get ahead of your competition on social media.
Now it’s up to you how and when you take action on Facebook Reels.