In a significant move aimed at streamlining its video content ecosystem, Meta Platforms has announced that all newly uploaded videos on Facebook will soon be classified as Reels, marking a strategic shift in how users share and engage with visual content on the platform. The update, which the company revealed on Tuesday, is expected to take effect globally over the coming months, impacting both individual profiles and business pages.

According to Meta — the parent company of Instagram and Facebook — the change will eliminate format and length restrictions, meaning all types of video content, including short clips, full-length features, and live broadcasts, will now fall under the Reels category.

Unifying the Facebook Video Experience

Meta’s update represents a deliberate attempt to simplify the video publishing process on Facebook and mirror the fast-growing popularity of short-form video formats pioneered by platforms like TikTok. By folding all new video uploads into the Reels category, the company aims to unify video experiences and boost discoverability and engagement.

“Reels on Facebook will now include all types of videos — short, long, and live — with no format or length limitations,” the company said in a public statement.

Previously, only short, vertical videos qualified as Reels, while longer horizontal videos and live streams existed as separate formats within Facebook’s broader video infrastructure. This separation sometimes created confusion and inconsistent user experiences. With the new change, Meta hopes to address those pain points by offering a singular, streamlined video platform under the Reels branding.

Existing Content Remains Unchanged

While the change applies to new uploads only, Meta clarified that previously uploaded videos will not be retroactively converted into Reels. Older content will remain as-is within the Facebook video ecosystem, although users will increasingly interact with new content under the unified Reels label.

In line with this transformation, Meta will also rename the “Video” tab on Facebook to “Reels”, reinforcing the platform’s pivot toward a more cohesive, Reels-focused content layout.

Enhanced Creative Tools and Audience Controls

As part of the rollout, Facebook users will gain access to expanded creative tools when creating Reels. These new features are expected to empower creators with more ways to produce dynamic and engaging videos, whether they’re uploading polished productions or quick, spontaneous clips.

Additionally, the update introduces audience selection prompts, especially useful for users whose Reels and regular feed posts currently operate under different privacy settings. When publishing new videos, users will be asked to review or confirm their audience preferences to ensure consistency and control over who can view their content.

This feature is particularly important for creators, influencers, and page managers who routinely navigate the balance between public visibility and private sharing.

Gradual Global Rollout Ahead

Meta confirmed that these changes will roll out gradually across the globe, reaching all user profiles and pages in the coming months. The staggered approach allows Meta to monitor user feedback, performance metrics, and adoption rates before finalizing full-scale implementation.

Although no specific dates have been given for the global rollout, the transition reflects Meta’s growing commitment to short-form, algorithm-driven content as the future of social media engagement.

Why Meta is Betting Big on Reels

Meta has been aggressively pushing its Reels format across Facebook and Instagram to compete with TikTok, whose viral video algorithm and user-generated content have captivated billions worldwide. Reels now serve as a central feature for content discovery, creator monetization, and audience interaction across Meta’s platforms.

By consolidating all Facebook video uploads under the Reels umbrella, Meta not only simplifies video publishing for users but also enhances ad targeting, content recommendation, and monetization opportunities — areas where short-form video has consistently driven high user retention and advertiser interest.

This update also aligns with Meta’s broader push toward AI-curated content delivery, as Reels are heavily influenced by recommendation algorithms that surface relevant, engaging videos to users based on their interactions and preferences.

What This Means for Users and Creators

For everyday users, this change means fewer technical distinctions to worry about when posting videos. Whether you’re sharing a birthday moment, a cooking tutorial, or a livestream from an event, your content will now appear as a Reel, potentially increasing visibility.

For content creators and influencers, the unified Reels format could translate to more streamlined engagement metrics, broader audience reach, and better tools for storytelling — especially with the upcoming creative features.

As Meta continues to evolve its platforms around AI and immersive content, the decision to redefine Facebook video as Reels marks a pivotal step in reimagining how users connect, express, and consume media in the digital age.

In short, video on Facebook is getting a major facelift — and Reels are taking center stage.