Are All Facebook Videos Now Reels?
Yes – and this new update from Meta means that every video you upload (except for livestreams) will now be published in the Reels format, regardless of length or orientation.
This is a major shift in Facebook’s video strategy – one that reflects the growing dominance of short-form video and Meta’s push to unify its video creation experience across platforms. But what does it mean for creators, brands, marketers, and casual users?
In this post, we’ll unpack the new Reels-only system, what changes in video performance metrics, how it affects monetisation, and why this signals a broader trend in digital content creation.
Why Is Meta Merging All Facebook Videos Into Reels?
Meta’s decision to merge all Facebook videos into the Reels format is driven by one goal: maximise user engagement. The company has found that Reels – its short-form video feature designed to compete with TikTok – is the biggest driver of time spent in-app.
According to Meta:
“In the coming months, all videos on Facebook will be shared as Reels, eliminating the need to choose between uploading a video or Reel. Reels on Facebook will also not have any length or format restrictions.”
So what used to be two separate tools – video uploads and Reels – will now be one streamlined publishing flow. You won’t need to choose between “video” and “Reel” anymore. Every piece of video content (except live streams) will automatically become a Reel.
This move offers several benefits:
- Simplicity: A single upload process for all video content.
- Creative power: Access to Facebook’s full suite of editing tools, including music, filters, text overlays, and effects.
- Broader exposure: Reels content is pushed more prominently in feeds, which means higher potential reach.
- Algorithm alignment: Facebook’s algorithm heavily favours Reels, so all video content will now benefit from this boost.
What Happens to Livestreams?
One key exception: livestreams will remain separate. Facebook Live continues to be its own format, with a unique upload flow and dedicated analytics. However, live broadcasts may still appear within the Reels feed to increase visibility.
Meta’s focus here is to preserve the integrity of live interaction, while still allowing broader exposure through the Reels algorithm.
So, while livestreams won’t be “Reels” by definition, they may share some distribution pathways.
What’s Changing in Analytics and Performance Metrics?
Are All Facebook Videos Now Reels? Yes – and that means all future performance data will be grouped under Reels analytics.
Here’s what you need to know about metrics:
- All video insights will now appear as part of your Reels performance.
- You will still be able to track 3-second views, 1-minute views, average watch time and audience retention
- Historical metrics from old video posts (pre-merger) will be accessible through Meta Business Suite until the end of the year.
- Monetisation payouts will continue unaffected, as long as your engagement and posting frequency remain steady.
If you’re a business or content creator, this means you’ll have a more unified and accessible view of how your video content is performing – and that makes decision-making around content strategy much easier.
How Will the Interface Change?
Meta is also making some user-facing updates to reflect this transformation:
- The traditional Video tab on Facebook Pages will be renamed Reels.
- The “Reels” button will become the default video upload entry point.
- Privacy settings across Feed posts and Reels will now be unified.
This means that if your Reels and Feed posts previously had different audience settings (e.g., public vs. friends only), Facebook will prompt you to confirm or adjust your audience before publishing.
What Does This Mean for Creators and Brands?
For content creators and digital marketers, this is a clear signal from Meta: adapt to Reels – or risk becoming invisible.
Here are several key takeaways for business Pages:
- Prioritise Vertical Video
The Reels format is still optimised for vertical viewing (9:16 aspect ratio). Even though Facebook is now allowing Reels of any length or layout, vertical videos are more likely to be promoted within the Reels feed.
Tip: Shoot and edit your content in portrait mode when possible for better visibility.
- Repurpose Longer Content
Got horizontal videos or past content? Use Meta’s built-in editing tools to split, trim, or repackage it into Reels. This ensures older assets still get exposure under the new system.
- Focus on Engagement
Reels are heavily engagement-driven. The more comments, shares, and watch time your video gets, the more likely it is to surface in other users’ feeds.
Boost engagement by:
- Adding subtitles for accessibility
- Using interactive stickers (where available)
- Including clear calls to action in your captions
How Does This Affect Meta’s Overall Strategy?
Meta’s all-in approach to Reels is part of a larger industry trend: short-form video is dominating.
Consider these industry moves:
- TikTok now allows videos up to 60 minutes in length.
- YouTube Shorts continues to expand monetisation features for creators.
- Instagram has also merged all videos into Reels for some time now.
By unifying Facebook video under the Reels umbrella, Meta is:
- Making its platforms more consistent
- Encouraging cross-platform content sharing
- Boosting its appeal to younger, mobile-first audiences
It’s a smart play, especially as Reels now drives the majority of growth in Facebook user engagement.
Will Everyday Users Be Confused?
There’s a valid concern here. Many users – particularly older demographics – still think of Reels as “short, viral clips.” They may be unaware that Reels now include all video types, regardless of length or style.
This could lead to questions like:
- “Where did the video upload button go?”
- “Why are my videos labelled as Reels now?”
- “How do I control who sees my video?”
Meta will likely address this with tooltips, pop-ups, and help centre guides, but social media managers should also prepare to educate their clients or internal teams on these changes.
Should You Change Your Strategy?
Absolutely. This update means it’s no longer optional to “try out” Reels – they’re now the only option for standard video publishing on Facebook.
To stay ahead of the curve:
- Start producing short-form content regularly
- Repurpose existing videos into Reels-friendly formats
- Analyse Reels metrics weekly to identify top-performing themes
- Use native tools like Meta Business Suite or Creator Studio to stay efficient
This change isn’t just cosmetic – it’s foundational to how Facebook will work moving forward.
Contact us to help you create compelling Reels content that drives results:
https://fuziondigital.co.za/contact/
Visit our Facebook for expert digital marketing insights and real-time platform updates: https://www.facebook.com/fuziondigitalsa
