Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is making some big changes to its video features. The goal is to transform Facebook Watch into a platform similar to Instagram Reels. Meta highlighted in a blog post today, that the Video tab will become the primary source for all video content on Facebook, including Reels which launched in March 2021, long-form videos, and live content.
The changes are designed to simplify video discovery and enable direct engagement with recommended Instagram Reels within the Facebook app. This could make Facebook Watch a more attractive destination for users who want to watch short-form videos.
Meta is also revamping its video editing features, making it easier for users to create high-quality videos from anywhere. With new tools for adjusting speed, reversing clips, and replacing content, users will be able to create both short and long videos from a single place. And with support for HDR videos, users can now enjoy even better video quality on Reels.
The app’s new video section will make it easier to find and watch videos. You can scroll vertically through your videos, or explore different Reels in a carousel-style horizontal view. On Android, the video section will be located in the top bar, and on iOS, it will be in the bottom bar.
These changes reflect Meta’s shift towards prioritising Reels and algorithmically-recommended clips, aligning with the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok. The revamped Video tab will feature an “Explore” section, similar to Instagram’s Explore grid, where users can discover trending videos and other recommended content organised by hashtags.
Remember when Facebook launched Facebook Watch in August 2017, later expanding its global reach in 2018? It was the company’s response to YouTube’s remarkable success. Another example of their response-driven approach was the creation of Reels, a direct answer to the surging popularity of TikTok.
Facebook claims that over 1.25 billion individuals visit Watch each month, indulging in the discovery and sharing of videos from countless creators and publishers. Back then, the company placed great emphasis on TV shows and other long-form content tailored specifically for the Facebook platform.
Fast forward to today, Meta’s video endeavours largely revolve around its TikTok competitor, Reels, along with a range of algorithmically-recommended clips. These same themes are readily observable in Facebook’s recently introduced video tab. Here, users can explore trending videos and other recommended content cleverly organised by hashtag clusters.”
