Meta to auto-convert Facebook videos into Reels in major update

The change aims to simplify video publishing by unifying the creative process for videos and reels, providing users with a more cohesive and flexible way to express themselves through video content.
Meta’s Facebook has announced a major update to how users create and share videos on the platform that will allow all videos uploaded to be automatically shared as Reels.
Meta says that this will streamline the video-sharing experience and eliminate the need to choose between posting a traditional video or a Reel.
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This change aims to simplify video publishing by unifying the creative process for videos and Reels, providing users with a more cohesive and flexible way to express themselves through video content.
Previously, Facebook users had to navigate separate workflows to upload videos to their Feed or post Reels, each with different creative tools and audience settings.
The new update combines these experiences into a single, simplified publishing flow that offers access to enhanced creative tools such as audio mixing, voiceovers, and noise reduction, allowing for more dynamic and engaging videos.
Facebook says the update will also remove all length and format restrictions for Reels, giving creators the freedom to share short clips or longer videos without compromise.
Despite the unified video format, Facebook reassures users that privacy and audience controls remain fully customizable.
The platform, through a statement, said that it is unifying privacy settings across Feed posts and Reels so that users’ default audience preferences will apply to both formats.
When users start posting Reels after the update, they will be prompted to confirm their audience settings, ensuring full control over who can view their content.
Users will have the option to restrict views to friends or select groups, will remain, alongside the ability to publish Reels publicly to increase reach and engagement.
Maintaining variety in video content
Facebook, however, emphasises that this change does not mean an end to different types of video content.
The platform will continue to support a range of video formats, including short clips, longer videos, and live broadcasts. The aim is to make Reels the central format for sharing video content while preserving the diverse ways users engage with video on Facebook.
The transition to sharing all videos as Reels will be gradually rolled out worldwide to both personal profiles and Pages over the next few months.
This strategic move aligns with broader trends in social media favouring short-form, engaging video content as popularised by platforms like TikTok.
"Every day, people use Facebook to share content that helps them connect with friends, capture memories and showcase their interests. Now, we’re making it easier to share videos by simplifying how you create and post videos." Facebook said.
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