Meta makes every Facebook video a Reel to simplify posting

Meta is streamlining how users post videos on Facebook by consolidating all video uploads into the Reels format, removing the need to choose between a regular video or a Reel.

The platform will also drop length and format restrictions for Reels, as part of a broader move to simplify the publishing experience for users and creators.

Previously, users uploaded videos or Reels through separate workflows with distinct creative tools. With this update, Facebook is merging the creation process into a single flow that offers access to an expanded suite of editing tools and a unified interface.

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The company said the changes will be rolled out gradually over the coming months across personal profiles and pages.

At the same time, Facebook is also aligning audience settings for feed posts and Reels. Users will now see a prompt asking them to confirm or update their default audience setting when posting Reels and will retain full control over whether to share content publicly or with selected groups.

The platform’s video player and interface are also getting a refresh. As part of the update, Facebook’s existing "Video" tab will be renamed the “Reels” tab, in line with its full screen player design.

Meta said the shift won’t affect video recommendations, which will continue to be personalised based on user interests.

Video content previously uploaded will remain on users’ profiles and pages. However, all new video posts moving forward will automatically be shared as Reels.

Meta added that creators will still be eligible for content distribution, regardless of the format changes.

The video update follows Meta’s recent move to monetise WhatsApp’s Updates tab, marking a formal shift from its longstanding 'no ads' approach. The rollout includes ads in Status, promoted Channels, and paid subscriptions. These monetisation features will be limited to the Updates tab, which sees over 1.5 billion users daily, and will not affect private, end-to-end encrypted chats.

Channel admins and advertisers will now have access to paid placements, with businesses able to initiate conversations through clickable Status ads.

Meta also introduced a suite of expanded ad tools earlier this month, designed to give marketers more control in an increasingly AI-driven ad ecosystem. The tools aim to help brands optimise campaigns for business outcomes, such as increasing profit, reducing churn, or acquiring high-value customers, rather than just driving impressions.

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