Facebook unveils new video features to enhance competition with YouTube and TikTok. The platform is renaming its “Watch” tab to the “Video” tab, consolidating all video experiences in one place.
Among the updates, Facebook is introducing editing tools from Reels to the main feed, allowing users to create short and long videos seamlessly. Meta Business Suite users are already receiving these tools. Furthermore, additional editing capabilities such as speed adjustment, clip reversal, and replacement are being rolled out. Meta is also enabling support for HDR videos on Reels, encompassing both uploading and playback.
Facebook introduces streamlined audio features, allowing users to easily discover suitable audio tracks, reduce noise, and record voiceovers atop videos.
The platform is undergoing a rebranding initiative, changing the name of its “Watch” tab to “Video.” This section will encompass a wide range of visual content, including Reels, long-form videos, and live videos. Users will have the ability to vertically scroll between videos and access a carousel with horizontal scrolling specifically designed for Reels. The “Video” section will be prominently placed on the top bar for the Android app and the bottom bar for the iOS app, as stated by Meta.
Since its launch in 2018 as a response to YouTube’s popularity, Facebook Watch has undergone significant changes. Certain features like Watch Party, enabling group video viewing, have been discontinued. The company also recently closed its original programming division. Live video products, including shopping and game streaming, were also phased out last year.
In conjunction with these video-oriented feed updates, users will gain access to an explore page accessible through the search button. Tapping on it will present various hashtags and topics, along with related short and long videos.
For some time now, Meta has enabled creators to cross-post Reels between Instagram and Facebook. With the latest update, users can now comment on Instagram Reels watched on Facebook via video discovery. To facilitate this, users need to link their accounts in the Accounts Center.
In recent months, Meta has focused on enhancing the popularity of Reels as a video format across both Facebook and Instagram. In March, the duration limit for Reels was extended from 60 to 90 seconds per clip. While the company discontinued bonuses for Reels on both platforms, it began testing a performance-based ad revenue-sharing program in May.
This new rollout aims to consolidate Facebook’s video offerings. While the emphasis is on promoting the discovery of long-form videos with these features, there haven’t been any new announcements regarding creator compensation at this time.
