Just days after TikTok announced that it had reached a billion active users, Facebook has today launched Reels on Facebook for all users in the US, bringing its short-form video competitor to many more people. After TikTok becoming an official video making app after Vine, Instagram followed with ‘Reels’. Both have a very similar concept, only that Instagram Reels’ UI looks much better. There is a bit of a quality difference too. TikTok does not have hi-res videos. Now Facebook is coming up with their version of Reels.
In all honesty, Facebook seems more excited about the addition than anybody else.
The Social Network has been testing Reels in its main app since March, starting in India, where TikTok is banned, giving Facebook more opportunity to capitalize on the popularity of the format.
And now, it’s bringing the option to its 250 Million+ US audience.
Image Credit: Socialmediatoday.com
As explained by Facebook:
“Reels on Facebook can consist of music, audio, effects and more. You can find them in News Feed or in Groups, and when viewing a reel on Facebook, you can easily follow the creator directly from the video, like and comment on it, or share it with friends.”
The groups addition is the most interesting element – as you can see in the above video clip, along with the capacity to share your Reels to your News Feed, you’ll also be able to post your Reels direct to groups that you’re a member of, while Facebook’s also launching a new ‘Single Theme’ group setting “that makes it easy to prompt members to share their Reels”.
Image Credit: Socialmediatoday.com
“The ‘Reels Play’ program will pay a bonus to eligible Facebook creators whose Reels get at least 1000 views over a 30-day period on Facebook. The Reels Play on Facebook bonus program is currently invite-only. Creators who are invited will be notified in the Facebook App and in Creator Studio and can sign up to learn more here.”
Will the expansion of Reels to Facebook make it a more engaging, enticing option, and keep more people from spending their time on TikTok instead?
Facebook, however, is now concentrating on the next stage, with a view to becoming a Metaverse company in future. Maybe that’s where Facebook can re-take the lead, and gain new advantage over the opposition – or maybe, Facebook simply needs to change focus and build on its utility tools as a means to solidify its place.
Image Credit: Socialmediatoday.com
It’s hard to see TikTok ever filling that same need, in many respects – but then again, as it continues to grow, maybe it will become an even bigger thorn in Facebook’s side in the years to come.
Either way, now you can check out Reels on Facebook too, bringing older audiences into the short video trend. Expect some level of cringe as a result.
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