Meta Makes Every Facebook Video a Reel to Streamline Content Creation

In a strategic shift, Meta Platforms has revealed plans to simplify video on Facebook by classifying all newly posted videos as Reels. This change will apply to every format—short, long, and live—effectively removing the earlier restrictions that separate Reels from traditional video uploads .

Currently, users choose between posting a video to their feed or creating a Reel. After the update, this choice will disappear. All new videos will default to Reels, ensuring a consistent viewer experience. Existing videos will remain unchanged, and Facebook will merely rename the current “Video” tab to “Reels” to reflect the new scope .

Meta says the change aims to remove complexity and clutter for creators and viewers alike. Removing length limitations—Reels will no longer be capped at 90 seconds on Facebook—allows flexibility for longer or live content.

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Users can expect new creative features to be introduced alongside the rebranding. Meta is rolling out advanced editing tools—such as multi-clip integration, caption options, music overlays, AR effects, and timed stickers—that were previously limited to select Reels formats. The rollout begins with select profiles and pages over the next few months before expanding globally.

Despite concerns that the change is another push toward short-form format dominance, Meta assures users it will "continue supporting personalized recommendations for a variety of video lengths and topics".

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly emphasized Reels as the future of video sharing at the company. The format was first rolled out in 2021 to compete directly with TikTok. In January 2025, Instagram extended Reels length to three minutes, and this latest move transfers that flexibility to Facebook .

Analysts interpret the move as Meta attempting to elevate Facebook’s appeal among younger users, who increasingly favor mobile-first, short-form video. Nielsen data in 2024 showed U.S. residents spending more on streaming video than cable TV combined—a trend that Meta is keen to capitalize on by unifying video formats under Reels .

For advertisers and creators, this may streamline content planning and monetization, as one format replaces two. However, it could challenge creators who rely on traditional video storytelling. Meta says there will be a prompt for users to review audience settings when posting to ensure consistency with feed controls.

This transition marks Facebook's most decisive content redesign in years. As Meta blurs the lines between video types, it signals a clear priority: embrace Reels as the core video medium across platforms. The gradual global rollout will reveal whether users welcome the change—or migrate toward platforms offering variety in formats.