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Everything You Need to Know About Facebook Reels

In this article, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about how Facebook Reels works.

While TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels have existed for quite some time, Facebook recently made Reels , its contribution to the short-form video realm, accessible to creators across the United States.

Facebook advertises Reels as “fun and short videos consisting of music, audio, AR effects, text overlays, and more” that users can create on the Facebook app via their mobile device.

This article answers the most frequently asked questions about Facebook Reels, then shows how to edit and upload this short-form video.

How to Watch Facebook Reels

Reels are displayed on Facebook’s News Feed . Once users click a Reel, they are taken to a feed where swiping up reveals the next video, akin to many other short-form video platforms.

According to Facebook , People can discover reels based on their interests and what’s popular both at the top of the News Feed alongside Stories and Rooms and in a new, dedicated News Feed section.

You can also create and share reels in Groups to engage with their favorite interest communities.

Who Can Watch Your Reels?

By default, Facebook Reels are set to be public for anyone who is over 18, but you can change the settings to limit access to friends or yourself.

You also have the option to change the desired audience on a Reel-by-Reel basis at any time. Your Reels will then appear in the News Feed for your followers, as well as the dedicated Reels section in the News Feed for people not following you to discover.

What are the Requirements for a Reels Video?

To be considered for the Reels feed, videos must be 30 seconds or less, be uploaded through the Reels option in Facebook, and follow Facebook’s Community Guidelines .

What In-App Editing Features do Reels Have?

The native Facebook Reels editing tools can help to easily edit your Facebook Reel quickly before you post.

Facebook currently has various in-app tools for creating Reels, such as:

Audio: Add music from the Facebook music library or use audio from other people's Reels

Length: Automatically set the time length of your Reel from 15 seconds to 30 seconds to 60 seconds.

Speed: Choose your Facebook Reel speed by slowing down by 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, or speeding up by 2x, 3x the original speed.

Effects: Apply any effects you'd like that are offered in the Facebook Effects library. Some of these effects you can use created by other Facebook users too.

Timer: Record your Reel hands-free by using the countdown timer.

Green screen: Use the green screen effect if you want to apply a background from your camera roll to your Reel.

Along with these tools, it's good to note that you're able to stitch together multiple clips into a single Facebook Reel by recording them or selecting them from your gallery. You can also use AR Effects created by either Facebook or third-party developers to record multiple clips with different effects.

Can Reels be Monetized?

As part of Facebook’s commitment to invest over $1 billion in creators through 2022 , they’re also offering a new bonus program to help creators earn money when people view their reels. What’s known as the “Reels Play bonus” will initially be invite-only, beginning in the US and potentially expanding globally over time.

Similarly to Instagram Reels, Facebook also intends to begin testing full-screen and immersive ads between reels to help small businesses and brands connect with new audiences. There is also a possibility that Facebook will eventually integrate Reels with the Facebook Stars live streaming digital-gifting monetization program.

How to Edit and Upload Facebook Reels

While the Facebook app has many useful editing features for Reels, it can’t do everything.

I recommend using Kapwing to edit your Reels. It’s a free online video editor that works on phones, tablets, and computers (both iOS and Android devices). You can use it to resize horizontal videos into vertical ones and download TikTok videos without the watermark to make reusing your content for Reels easier.

Upload Your Videos to Kapwing

First, film your video clips and then open Kapwing to start editing them - remember that your final video must be less than 30 seconds. Click the Upload button in the Studio to search your files or paste a link to a video that’s already on the internet.

The Scenes tab is a good place to compile your video clips at first.

Edit Your Video

Facebook Reels dimensions are 9:16 aspect ratio, or 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. In other words, your reel needs to be vertical, so click the background and select the 9:16 aspect ratio to ensure your video has the right dimensions.

Now, you can use the options in the toolbar to add text , and search for images and GIFs right within the editor. You can also add any music or sound through the Audio tab by uploading an MP3 file or pasting the link to a video with the song you want to use.

Export and Download Your Video

Once you’re satisfied with your video, you can download your video by either clicking on the green Export Video button located on the top right of your workspace or selecting the drop down arrow directly to its right to export it as a specific file format.

After rendering, you can share your video using the provided links or you can download the file directly to your phone, tablet, or desktop. If you would like to make any changes, you can easily go back into your workspace and make any edits as needed.

Publish as a Facebook Reel

You can start creating Reels on your mobile device at the top of the Facebook app’s Feed or by selecting “Create” from the dedicated Reels section in the News Feed.

You can then upload your existing pre-edited videos from your phone’s gallery or use a combination of real-time and pre-recorded clips.

If you have any feedback about Kapwing or the Kapwing Studio, feel free to let us know! For more tips and tutorials on creating great digital content in 2021, check back in at the Kapwing Resources page, subscribe to our YouTube channel , or read through some articles related to Facebook:

• How to Post a Live Photo on Facebook
• How to Post a YouTube Video on Facebook
• How to Create a Profile Video for Facebook

How to Monetize Instagram Reels (Tips, Tricks, and Examples)

What Are SDH Subtitles and Do You Need Them?

How to Make an SRT File for Your Social Media Videos

What are Reels on Facebook and How Do You Make Them?

Updated: July 23, 2024

Published: January 24, 2023

Short-form video is everywhere online and after letting TikTok and Instagram Reels run the show, Facebook finally joined the party with Facebook Reels.

What are Reels on Facebook, how do you make them, and how do they differ from other short-form video platforms? We’ll cover that and more below.

What are Reels on Facebook?

Facebook Reels are short-form videos shared on the Facebook platform, similar to Instagram Reels and TikTok. Offering most of the features found on its sister social platform Instagram, content creators, influencers, and marketers can post short videos of up to 60 seconds with music, viral audio clips, and effects.

Facebook first introduced Reels in September 2021, then launched it globally in February 2022. While anyone can create Reels, it’s been highly marketed toward content creators and influencers as an additional way for them to engage and reach new audiences.

As an incentive to use Reels, Meta is offering bonus payments to creators based on the performance of their Reels, an initiative they first launched on Instagram.

In a statement, the tech company said that they’re developing a suite of creator monetization options and Reels is one facet of it.

How to Watch Facebook Reels

There are three main ways to access the Reels page on Facebook: the homepage, the Watch tab, and the Menu tab.

From the Homepage, you will see Reels on your newsfeed as you scroll.

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The Ultimate Guide To Facebook Reels – All You Need To Know 

Wagisha Adishree 15 minutes read August 29, 2024

Facebook Reels, the popular short-form video feature that has taken the social media world by storm. There are over 200 billion Reels played on Facebook every day.

Packed with information, and fun, and done in just a few seconds, Facebook Reels have become one of the most sought-after forms of social media content in recent years. Yet a lot of creators and brands still have their doubts. 

This is why, in this article, we will provide you with a Facebook Reels guide, why they’ve become so popular, and what the future may hold for this exciting new format. 

So, whether you’re a social media influencer, marketer, or just someone who loves to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, you won’t want to miss this!

Facebook Page Feed

Facebook Profile Feed

Facebook Album Feed

Facebook Reviews Feed

Page Mentions Feed

What are Facebook Reels? 

Facebook Reels are short-form videos shared on the platform. It is similar to the Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Facebook Reels are designed for the viewers to discover new content in a fun way.  Let us get into this Facebook reels guide to know more. 

Features Of Facebook Reels

Take a look at the features of Facebook reels. 

1.) Access Reels Within Facebook Watch 

Reels is now available on Facebook Watch. This means that users can easily switch between Reels and Facebook’s long-form content. This change provides users with more opportunities to discover new content and creators that align with their interests.

The increased accessibility of Reels means that you can create more Reels content that appeals to new audience members who are browsing through both short and long-form video content.

2.) Show More, Show Less

Facebook has introduced the Show More and Show Less options on Reels to make sure that users see content that matches their interests. By selecting the three-dot menu option on a particular Reel, users can give direct feedback to Facebook about their preferences. If users like the content they are seeing, they can choose Show More. This tells Facebook’s content algorithm to show similar video content to that user. If a user is not interested in the content they are seeing or they don’t want to see it on their feed anymore, they can select Show Less. Facebook’s algorithm will then adjust and display different content to that user.

3.) Contextual Labels 

The “Show More” and “Show Less” options on Facebook provide direct feedback, but Facebook reels contextual labels offer users an explanation of why they are seeing particular content. For instance, a Reel may appear on a user’s feed because a friend liked it, or it may come from an account that the user has previously engaged with. 

This is significant for marketers because the contextual labels for Reels, as well as the other recent changes made by Facebook, provide an opportunity to gain more insight into the interests of their Facebook audience.

Creative Tools For Facebook Reels 

Facebook provides enough inbuilt tools to customize the Facebook Reels. Take a look at these creative tools for Facebook Reels. 

#1) Video and Photo Import 

While Facebook reels can be recorded directly from the Facebook app, you can also import photos and videos from your device to Facebook reels. You can also use a photo to make it a Facebook reels. 

#2) Video Length 

The Facebook reels have a time limit of 90 seconds.

#3) Audio 

You can also add music or audio to the Facebook reel by tapping on the Audio button. There are a variety of songs and audio audio available in the Facebook reels library. 

#4) Speed 

You can also change the speed of the Facebook reels video. You can slow down or fasten the speed of the video. The default setting is 1x. 

#5) Effects 

Effects can also be added to your Facebook reel video by clicking the Effects button. You can also save the effect to create Facebook reels with it later. 

#6) Zoom Crop 

Easily adjust the position and scale of your clip in a 9:16 video container using a 1-finger pan or a 2-finger pinch.

#7) Timer 

The timer gives you time before you directly record from the Facebook app. This helps you to prepare for the video. 

#8) Green Screen 

The green screen feature lets you use a background to the video. 

Difference Between Facebook Reels And Instagram Reels 

We know you are looking for more ways to connect with your Facebook audience. And in that scenario, Facebook Reels stands as the most convenient method. But don’t we already have its look-alike, Instagram Reels? What is the difference between Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels, let us find out. 

Minor Differences Between Facebook Reels And Instagram Reels  

• Identifying Features : Facebook Reels bear the Instagram watermark at the bottom of the screen, which distinguishes their origin, whether they were shared from Instagram or created directly within the Facebook platform.
• Separate Like Counts : While you can cross-promote between the two platforms, each maintains its own ‘like count.’ It is best to analyze Facebook and Instagram separately to gauge overall likes, as they won’t be combined.

Major Differences in Facebook Reels And Instagram Reels 

• Choosing Your Audience : Facebook Reels offers a fantastic feature that allows you to customize who sees your Reels. Whether it is from the public to family and friends, or even specific groups and communities. This tailored approach in Facebook Reels can be a game-changer for targeting your content effectively. This feature is unavailable when sharing an Instagram Reel to Facebook.
• Comment Related  Issues : Importing an  Instagram Reel to your Facebook Page from Instagram may lead to complications for Facebook users. Your audience won’t be able to comment directly on your content and will be redirected to log into the Instagram app. This friction could result in lost engagement from users without Instagram or those not signed in on that device.
• Reach by Feed : Instagram Reels on your feed are limited to users you follow or those who follow you. On the other hand, Facebook Reels have the potential to appear on anyone’s feed, significantly expanding your reach and connecting you with entirely new audiences.

Therefore, no matter what niche you belong you can always open up scopes for Facebook reels to have the maximum traction. 

Why Use Facebook Reels?

Facebook Reels are a fantastic short-form video creation feature that businesses can use to showcase their products and services. This also helps them to engage with their audience, and build brand awareness. 

With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, businesses have more opportunities than ever to create informative content that resonates with their target audience. Let us take a look at different ways businesses can utilize Facebook Reels through this Facebook reels guide. 

a.) Showcase Your Products With Facebook Reels 

One of the most popular ways businesses use reels is by showcasing their products. By creating short videos that highlight the benefits of their products, businesses can attract new customers and increase sales. Facebook Reels can also be used to offer tutorials, giving customers a step-by-step guide on how to use a particular product or service.

b.) Behind The Scenes With Facebook Reels 

Apart from product showcases and tutorials, businesses can use Facebook reels to give their audience a behind-the-scenes look. This can be a great way to humanize a brand and build trust with customers. When as a brand you showcase the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a product or service, it demonstrates the commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

c.) Introduce Your Team With Facebook Reels 

Another way businesses can use Facebook reels is by introducing their team members. This is a great way to put a face to a name and build a personal connection with customers. When a brand showcases the people behind the brand, it helps them create a sense of community and make their customers feel like they are part of something bigger.

Facebook Reels Guide :Monetization Opportunities of Facebook Reels 

If you’re interested in earning money with Facebook Reels , you can do so by including ads in your videos. This means that you can use your content to promote other companies’ products and services and get paid as part of their ad campaigns. 

However, this will help you receive 55% of the earnings, while Facebook keeps 45%. There are some requirements you need to meet before you can post qualifying Facebook reels to earn with ads.  Take a look at what you need to have to monetize Facebook reels . 

– More than 10,000 followers on Facebook 

– At least five videos posted on your Facebook account

– 600,000 minutes of viewership in the last 60 days

– Been invited to the program or already onboarded to in-stream ads

– Must be a resident of the US. 

It’s also worth noting that reel ads are only available in certain countries, so be sure to check the list in Meta’s help center.

How To Create Facebook Reels (Step By Step Guide) 

Creating your first Facebook Reels on the platform should be fine for you. This is why we have created a step-by-step guide to make Facebook Reels in less than 10 minutes. 

Step 1: Sign in to your Facebook Account 

Once you have logged in to your Facebook account, navigate yourself to the + icon in the top right corner. There you will see the Reel section. This will bring you to the gallery of your mobile phone/ system. You can add your pre-recorded videos or create some videos on the spot. 

Step 2:  Record or Upload Your Content 

If you choose to record your video, you can also choose the green screen. For using a green screen, you do not always need to have a video. You can also use one of your pictures and use it as a background for your video. 

You can also add music and change its speed or use time for a hands-free creation. Here is a quick note, if you choose to use any filter your green screen will disappear. You have the option to add stickers, text, and effects aka stickers to your Facebook Reels. Once you are ready with your Facebook Reel, click on the Next button.

Step 3: Add Your Description and Share Your Facebook Reel 

Write a caption for your Facebook Reel, just like you do for your Instagram Reel. Add hashtags for better reach. Tag relevant people or brands in the video by tapping Tag People. You can also add a relevant location so that people in that location find your Facebook Reel easily. 

Add more Topic Tags. This helps you categorize your content and help you reach more target audiences. 

Once you are done click on the Share button. And your Facebook Reels will be live on the platform. 

Tips To Create More Engaging Facebook Reels 

Facebook has a vast number of audience, nearly 3.05 billion monthly active. Imagine the amount of traction it can bring to your business. Take a look at the tips you can utilize to make your Facebook reels more engaging. 

A. Use High-Quality Video

Facebook may compress your video, leading to pixelated video with blurriness. If you use high-quality videos, chances are your Facebook reels will not be as affected as those of low-quality videos. 

Any pixelated or blurry Facebook reels do not seem appealing to the audience.  Don’t worry, you do not have to buy a high-priced camera for this. You can also create high-quality video from your existing Mobile phone. 

For this go to the Menu of your Facebook app on your phone. 

Navigate yourself to the Settings And Privacy Options. Click on Settings , then go to Media . Now set your video quality to Optimized . 

B. Entertain Your Audience 

One of the best ways to follow while creating a Facebook Reel is to entertain your audience with all your might. This means, as a creator, you have to think about your audience. For this, create an audience persona. Examine what type of videos and Facebook Reels your audience likes and wants to watch. Watch videos from your competitors, study their shortcomings, and make improvements to your Facebook Reels. Here are some tips you can follow: 

• Make shorter Facebook Reels. 
• Use a hook in your video that intrigues the audience to watch more and stay with you. 
• Use trending hashtags and music. 

C. Write Long And Relevant Captions 

Another great tip while trying to create engaging Facebook Reels is to write long and relevant captions. Now here is a little trick that you might need to know. While the viewers are busy reading the informational caption, your Facebook reels will be played in the background on a loop. 

Therefore, write a caption that helps the viewers solve any of their issues. Now you might be thinking that people do not read long captions anymore and they have no attention span. However, make sure that whatever you say in the video must hook them to the point that they would be intrigued to read the caption. 

D. Post Frequently 

Facebook was not designed to post and vanish. As a creator, brand, or business, you have to post frequently on the platform. Organic reach is down on every social media platform , and Facebook has been the most affected by it. 

Hence, posting Facebook Reels frequently on the platform is one of the best ways to stay in the eyes of your target audience. The experts say that posting 1-2 Facebook Reels on the platform is beneficial for the creators as well as the business owners. 

How To Use Facebook Reels For Business 

As a business owner, you can easily utilize Facebook reels for your business. Take a look at how you can create Facebook reels to help your business grow. 

a.) Reintroduce Your Brand On Facebook Reels 

Are you new to Facebook reels? Well then, go with the basics. 

If you are posting Facebook reels for the first time, it is a great idea to introduce your brand in a fun way. Share important details about your business in this Facebook reel. Talk about how and why you started this brand and how is it making a difference in the industry. 

b.) Introduce Your Team To Your Facebook Followers 

Another way you can use Facebook reels for your business is by introducing your team members. Share the spotlight with your hardworking team and ask them to express their opinion. Highlight what they bring to the table and how important they are for the brand. This will help you humanize your brand . More importantly, the customers will see you as a compassionate brand and not as a faceless bot. This breeds trust in the eyes of your target customers. 

c.) Post On The Best Time For Engagement 

If you are a business owner, it’s essential to know when your target audience is active online. It’s important to keep in mind that the optimal days for posting on Facebook may vary depending on your audience’s demographics, location, time zone, and industry. It’s also worth noting that people use Facebook differently throughout the week based on their leisure time. 

d.) Host a Facebook Reels Challenge 

Facebook Reels challenge is fun for any business to spark a conversation for their business. As a business owner, you can launch a fun challenge for your Facebook audience. Ask your customer or audience to create facebook reels around the topic. Use these videos in your next marketing campaign. 

The Final Word 

Facebook Reels have become a crucial tool for businesses and individuals looking to expand their reach and engage with their audience. With its unique features and increasing popularity, Facebook Reels provide an opportunity to showcase your creativity and connect with new audiences. By keeping up with the latest trends and utilizing the features of Facebook Reels, you can stay ahead of the game and make a significant impact on your social media presence. So, go ahead and give Facebook Reels a try, and who knows, you might just become the next viral sensation!

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