Facebook is overhauling its built-in video center, adopting an Instagram-esque design for its content. This revamp introduces Reels’ editing utilities to all Facebook videos, coupled with a fresh “Explore” area that emphasizes trending videos and additional suggestions.
In addition, it comes with a rebranding. The tab formerly named “Facebook Watch” will henceforth be recognized as “Video.” The segment, a host for diverse content including short videos like Reels, live streams, and extended content, will continue to be positioned at the Facebook app’s apex.
This new label reflects the significant shift in Facebook’s video strategy since the introduction of the “Watch” section in 2017. Initially, the company was strongly advocating for TV shows and other extended content specifically designed for Facebook. Today, Meta’s video focus is largely on its TikTok rival, Reels, and other content suggested by algorithms. Over the past year, Mark Zuckerberg has expressed his intention to transition Facebook into a “discovery engine” that uncovers more content beyond users’ social circles.
These themes are evident in Facebook’s revamped video tab, which introduces an “Explore” section mirroring Instagram’s Explore grid. In this area, users will discover trending videos and other recommended content grouped by hashtag.
Furthermore, Meta is initiating efforts to amalgamate Reels on Facebook more intimately with those on Instagram. Facebook has been promoting users to share Reels from Instagram to Facebook for a while. Now, the firm is merging comments across both platforms, eliminating the necessity for users to switch to the Instagram app to comment on a Reel that originated on Instagram.
The modifications are starting to be gradually introduced to the Facebook app and website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Facebook Video Tab Redesign
What are the major changes in Facebook’s revamped Video tab?
The main changes in Facebook’s Video tab, formerly known as ‘Facebook Watch’, include the introduction of Reels’ editing tools to all Facebook videos and a new ‘Explore’ section which highlights trending videos and other content recommendations.
How is Facebook’s video strategy changing?
Facebook’s video strategy has shifted significantly from focusing on TV shows and long-form content towards a more discovery-oriented approach. This involves promoting short-form content like Reels and other algorithmically-recommended clips, aiming to make Facebook a discovery engine that uncovers more content beyond users’ social circles.
What is the purpose of the ‘Explore’ section in the new Video tab?
The ‘Explore’ section in the new Video tab is designed to showcase trending videos and other recommended content grouped by hashtag, in a way similar to the Explore grid on Instagram.
How is Meta integrating Reels on Facebook with Instagram?
Meta is encouraging users to cross-post Reels from Instagram to Facebook. Additionally, they are unifying comments across both platforms, eliminating the need for users to switch to the Instagram app to comment on a Reel that originated on Instagram.
When will the changes to the Video tab start rolling out?
The updates to Facebook’s Video tab are beginning to be gradually introduced to the Facebook app and website.
More about Facebook Video Tab Redesign
- Facebook’s Video Strategy
- Instagram’s Reels Editing Tools
- Meta’s New Direction
- Facebook’s Discovery Engine Plan
3 comments
I’m a bit confused, does this mean our comments on Facebook and Insta will be the same? so like if I comment on a reel on fb, itll show up on insta? thats kinda cool i guess.
facebook’s always changin. just when you think youve got it figured out, they go and mix it all up again!
Zuckerberg wants Facebook to be a “discovery engine”… interesting. Wonder how this’ll change my feed. Still, not sure about this whole reels thing, tiktok does it better imo.