Facebook Reels Get Boost: Algorithm Now Prioritizes Short-Form Video
Facebook is making significant changes to its video experience, taking a page directly out of TikTok's playbook. This move further highlights the growing influence of TikTok on the broader social media landscape.
Consistent Fullscreen Vertical Videos
The key change is the introduction of a new, consistent fullscreen video player. All videos posted to the app, regardless of their original format, will now expand to fill your screen in a vertical orientation, just like on TikTok. This eliminates the previous inconsistency where you might see horizontal videos or videos playing in a smaller feed-like player.
Benefits:
- Creates a more immersive video viewing experience.
- Aligns Facebook's video format with the increasingly popular TikTok style.
Improved Video Controls and Navigation
Along with the fullscreen format, Facebook is introducing new video controls for a smoother viewing experience:
- Simplified Reactions UI: Easier access to reactions like like, love, etc.
- Enhanced Progress Slider: A more user-friendly slider at the bottom for scrubbing through videos.
- Jump Forward and Back Buttons: Convenient buttons for quickly navigating within videos.
These changes aim to make watching videos on Facebook more intuitive and enjoyable.
Prioritising Reels with Algorithm Updates
Beyond the interface tweaks, Facebook is also revamping its video recommendation algorithm. The goal is to keep users engaged by surfacing videos they're more likely to enjoy:
- Recommendations Based on Interests: Facebook will suggest short Reels for quick inspiration alongside longer tutorials based on your interests.
- Increased Focus on Reels: The updated algorithm will prioritise showing more Reels in the feed, reflecting the growing demand for short-form video content.
This focus on Reels highlights Facebook's desire to compete with TikTok's dominance in the short-form video space.
Impact on Content Creators
Facebook has provided some insights for creators adapting to these changes:
- High-quality and engaging content remains key, regardless of video format or length.
- Reels will receive increased algorithmic support. Creators are encouraged to prioritise high-quality Reels for better reach.
- Repurposing content from other platforms might not be effective. Unedited uploads are unlikely to perform well.
These pointers suggest a shift towards encouraging original, engaging Reels content specifically designed for Facebook's platform.
Facebook's full-screen video experience and algorithm updates represent a clear shift towards a more TikTok-like approach. This move caters to evolving user behaviour, particularly among younger audiences, and positions Facebook to compete more effectively in the ever-growing short-form video space. The rollout of these changes has begun in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to other regions later this year.
